Hosting Super Rugby finals costs Crusaders
Hosting, and winning, the Super Rugby final hasn’t translated into a memorable financial windfall for the Crusaders.
The Crusaders defended their title by beating the Lions 37-18 at Christchurch Stadium, formerly known as AMI Stadium, on August 4 but the satisfaction of winning the major prize a ninth time was offset by the disappointing ‘‘break-even’’ result.
While immensely satisfied to win in front of their fans in Christchurch, it was the first time the city had hosted a final since 2008, the Crusaders Limited Partnership had to accept that the costs associated with playing finals games at home came with a heavy financial burden.
Under Sanzaar rules the Crusaders were required to pay the Lions an appearance fee of A$125,000, and had to contribute to a third of their flights to and from South Africa as well as accommodation costs.
The Crusaders also had to pay the Hurricanes and Sharks fees totalling $A175,000, along with each team’s travelling costs, for participating in the semifinal and quarterfinal in Christchurch.
Given Christchurch Stadium, even with its capacity is extended to 19,600 from 17,300 for the final, is the smallest ground in the country the Crusaders were always going to struggle to post a significant surplus. The fact the semi and quarterfinal games didn’t attract full houses didn’t help, either.
Crusaders chairman Grant Jarrold stated that the cost of hosting three playoff games over consecutive weekends was a drain on the organisation’s budget.
‘‘Of course, hosting three playoff games – against the Sharks, Hurricanes, and the Lions – effectively increased both our revenue and costs in 2018,’’ Jarrold said. ‘‘Whilst playoff games are outstanding for our fans and players, they can be challenging financially especially when full houses are not achieved other than for the final.’’
Only 8500 fans attended the match against the Sharks, on an evening when high winds prevented the big screen from being hoisted by a crane at the ‘‘temporary stadium’’.
The Hurricanes game also failed to sell out, with several thousand seats vacant prior to kick-off.
Jarrold said to reach a breakeven bottom line was disappointing for the organisation given the successful season.
The business that drives the Crusaders on the field is in good shape, with strong support from commercial partners and sponsors.
‘‘What is pleasing is that plans for a new multi-use arena in Christchurch, announced by Government and (Christchurch City) Council, have advanced and provide a level of confidence that our fans who come to games at our temporary stadium will do so knowing that the future looks brighter.
‘‘We look forward to more fans coming to Crusaders games to see our Championship team aim to make it three in a row in 2019.’’
Last year the Crusaders posted a $328,000 profit, a figure bolstered by the A$125,000 appearance fee received for travelling to Johannesburg to play the Lions in the final. The Crusaders won that match 25-17.
Meanwhile, Scott Ford has replaced Brent Isbister on the Crusaders board. Isbister had been on the board for three years.
Ford, an independent director on the Tasman board, has been appointed as the Shareholding Provincial Union’s representative.
A stalwart of club rugby in both Marlborough and Christchurch during his 33-year playing career – representing Shirley, Merivale-Lincoln, Kaikoura and Nelson clubs, and captaining Canterbury Maori for three seasons – Ford moved on to coaching and governance roles.