Crusaders carry weight of distant and recent history on their shoulders

A name chosen in innocent times, referencing bloody battles between Christian and Muslim armies, is suddenly causing unease.

The Crusader horsemen perform at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. The franchise will consider a change of name at an appropriate time. Picture: Getty Images

They are regarded as the greatest Super Rugby team ever, winners of nine out of 23 titles dating back to the dawn of professional rugby in 1996, but now the Crusaders have been confronted with a thousand years of history that threatens their very name.

In the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks last Friday, the Canterbury side have had to consider how the “Crusader” brand impacts on a Muslim community devastated by the deaths of 50 faithful, with dozens more injured and traumatised.

Suddenly a name chosen back in more innocent times, the mid-1990s, is being seen through the bloodstained pages of medieval history.

Between 1096 and 1291, there were eight major Crusades launched by the Catholic Church to recapture the holy sites in what is now the Middle East. The wars fought, the sieges staged, between the Christian and Muslim armies were among the most ferocious in military history.

It’s not just the team name that has caused unease in Christchurch and beyond but the imagery that goes with it. Before every home match in Christchurch, five “Crusaders” in full medieval battle dress, including a giant cross on the chest, ride around the stadium brandishing their broadswords, stirring up the crowd. Even the background music has a mournful medieval sound to it.

Until the mosque attacks, no one thought twice about how the Canterbury side were branded. But now the imagery seems, to some, wrong and inappropriate. In a poll conducted by the New Zealand Herald, some 57 per cent of Kiwis said the Crusaders should change their name.

Unlike the NFL side, the Washington Redskins, who last year won a Supreme Court ruling to protect a name that many considered offensive, the Crusaders have indicated they will consider making a change — but not while emotions are so raw and volatile.

“In light of recent events in Christchurch, we have heard some comments around the Crusaders team,” said Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge. “Like all New Zealanders, the Crusaders team are deeply shocked by this tragedy and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

“At an appropriate time, we will thoroughly consider the issues that have been raised and our response to that. That will include conversations with a range of people, including our Muslim community.”

The Crusaders game against fellow South Island team the Highlanders, just one day after the attacks, was abandoned, with the two sides sharing points for the match, but the Christchurch team will resume Super Rugby this weekend when they travel to Sydney to play the Waratahs at the SCG on Saturday.

Other Super Rugby games went ahead last weekend with rival sides linking arms in a moment of silence before the kick-off and the Waratahs have confirmed that they will hold another moment’s silence before the Crusaders return to action at the SCG.

The Tahs, meanwhile, have lost the services of their high-profile but short-term replacement hooker, with Tatafu Polota-Nau recalled to England by his club, Leicester Tigers. It was always known the Tigers could recall him in an emergency but in the two games he played, against the Queensland Reds and the Brumbies, he at least helped NSW get through the hardest weeks of Tolu Latu’s six-week suspension.

Shambeckler Vui, a prop who is also providing cover at hooker, is working his way back to full fitness while Andrew Tuala is likely to come onto the bench against the Crusaders as back-up to first-choice No 2 Damien Fitzpatrick.

It is not certain whether Test tighthead Allan Ala’alatoa’s ongoing wrist injury will allow him to play for the Brumbies against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

“I’m on track,” said a hopeful Ala’alatoa, who will be needed to combat a Reds scrum that will be boosted by the return from Wallabies rotation of Taniela Tupou and Izack Rodda.

The Reds look like having a three-way battle for two positions when the experienced Bryce Hegarty returns from a rib injury to come into consideration for the five-eighth and fullback positions.

Against the Sunwolves in Tokyo, the 10 and 15 jerseys were worn commendably by Isaac Lucas and Hamish Stewart, both playing well enough to hold their spots. Stewart, in particular, turned in a polished performance at fullback and it may be that he can express himself more freely when not burdened with the responsibility of making the plays at five-eighth.