‘Crusaders name matters’

A leading New Zealand historian on the Crusades says the Crusaders could change names and move on ‘‘in these changed times we’re living in’’.

Dr Lindsay Diggelmann, an associate dean and senior lecturer in history at the University of Auckland, said the Christchurchbased Super Rugby franchise may need to consider a name change following the loss of 50 lives in the shooting attacks on two Christchurch mosques.

‘‘Maybe they could have a poll among the region?’’ Diggelmann asked. ‘‘I think everybody would be reasonably satisfied if they showed some progress in that direction.

‘‘I think they could put the Crusaders franchise name to bed with great respect for what they’ve achieved and possibly come up with a new one . . . sometimes what’s seen to be fine before isn’t anymore, so I do think it’s worth having the conversation at least.’’

Diggelmann said the Crusades were a series of wars based on religious differences approximately 1000 years ago, and that the phrase could have positive and negative connotations.

‘‘The phrase ‘crusade’ and related phrases, ‘crusades’ and ‘crusading’ generally has a very positive connotation in Western culture. You might have a crusade against poverty for example, or a crusade for health

‘‘Unfortunately, however, that’s not for everybody. In some parts of the world – notably the Islamic world – still to this day the phrase and term ‘crusade’ has a very negative connotation. Very sadly of course, after Friday’s horrific events, it’s taken on more direct relevance.’’

A rugby fan, Diggelmann said he was full of respect for the Crusaders franchise.

‘‘But I do have to say that one of their spokesmen, I just saw in the press over the last couple of days, saying in their point of view the idea of Crusader and crusading is a crusade for peace and unity . . . It must be a bit questionable when they’ve got guys riding up and down the sidelines wielding swords.

‘‘They’ve got the image of the knight with the sword on the jersey.

‘‘Clearly there is an image of military violence going on there.

‘‘I think in today’s climate that is something that is sensitive and when they look back at the historical context, something they may need to consider. Maybe now is time to open that conversation again.’’