A senior New Zealand politician has welcomed discussions to change the name of the Super Rugby champion Crusaders team in the wake of the Christchurch massacre.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson says he supports the initiative of Crusaders bosses to scrutinise the suitability of their title and imagery following last Friday’s terror act in which 50 people were killed at two mosques by an Australian gunman.
Critics have raised concern over the use of a name they say is offensive to the Muslim faith.
The Crusades was the name originally given to a series of conflicts between Christian soldiers (Crusaders) and Muslims in the Mediterranean region, beginning in the 11th century.
The Crusaders issued a statement saying the name was meant to reflect “the crusading spirit of this community” but understood the concerns raised and would consult widely.
Robertson praised the club for their front foot approach.
“I’m aware of the conversations that they’re now having with, in particular, the Muslim community in Christchurch. I think that’s appropriate,” he said.
“Clearly this is a big issue in Canterbury, the Crusaders is a well-established name and brand but I think it’s a responsible action to undertake those conversations now.”
Original Crusaders chairman Donald Stewart revealed to stuff.co.nz that he had reservations about the name when the Super 12 was launched in 1996.
Stewart said the name was given to them by New Zealand Rugby, which had full control of the process.
“I had doubts on the basis that we were trying to project ourselves globally with an international competition,”
said Stewart, who is now based in Sydney.
“And I wondered whether this name might prove offensive to some potential viewers. I probably didn’t share that opinion widely.”
The Crusaders are the world’s most successful professional club rugby team, having snared nine Super Rugby titles, including the last two.
They have housed some of the world’s finest players, including All Blacks Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Nobody
Roar Rookie
I think "Te Kōura" would be a good name since kōura (crayfish) are red, and native to the region. Or "The Crayfish" if te reo is deemed too hard for the masses. Maybe Te Kōura in the long run, but start by calling them The Crayfish until everyone gets it?
Double Agent
Guest
How about just "Canterbury". I can't stand all the silly names for the teams.
Double Agent
Guest
Isn't that a bit of a derr?? In Victoria you're most likely to have an offence committed against you by an Australian. Geez who'd have thunk it??!!
Nobody
Roar Rookie
Tbh I always thought "Crusaders" was an insensitive name at best, but previously didn't think that worth mentioning in front of the "it's pc gone mad" brigade. Now it is. If you're struggling with that being an issue, consider a hypothetical team called "The Jihadis". Most of us probably wouldn't take that as any more offensive a name than "The Crusaders" for a rugby team, but imagine how people might feel about it later if an Islamic State terrorist attack occurred in their home city. At that point it might be deemed an insensitive enough name to change. That's where we're at with the Crusaders, and while some may not think the name is a big enough deal to require changing, I don't think changing it would do any harm, it might do some good, and I would prefer it. In short, I'm all for it.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Well according to ol wikipedia the original UK Canterbury comes from Occupied by the Jutes, it became known in Old English as Cantwareburh ("stronghold of the Kentish men"),[10] which developed into the present name. Apart from that why would the Anglican Church be offensive ?
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Actually Piru according to a good Muslim mate of mine Jesus (PBUH) is a very good boy. It's the Apostle Paul who's the naughty one.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
And maybe change the logo too https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusaders_(rugby_union)#/media/File:Crusaders_rugby_logo.png
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Ahh political correctness - basically the idea that we should all try to be nice to each other. About time somebody took a stand against it - right Kevin ?
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
So the Crusaders want to change to a name that's more inclusive and isn't offensive to some members of the community. That's a pretty decent thought. So cue the negative comments right ?
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
"....just a bunch of guys on horses twirling swords......" Yeah how would imagery like that ever invoke the idea of the Crusaders - especially at a Crusaders game
Ig
Guest
Why not also rename Christchurch while they are at it? The name of that city has to be offensive to non-Christians, not to mention kinda stupid in a general sense. That should be an opportunity to not only come up with a better name but also possibly to commemorate the victims with it.
Kevin Duffell
Guest
political correctness gone mad should we be offended by the name Saracens because in the 11th century they killed christian s like the crusaders killed Muslims Pull your heads in A waste of time that I will never get back
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Thank gawd I follow the innocent Waratahs, a flower whose only crime is perhaps causing hay fever. But I am offended by them Commie mongrels north of the NSW border. Queensland rugby should have changed the team brand name when Perestroika happened.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Piru, how about the Canterbury Crushers; as in they crush your bones and crush all hope of winning the SR title. :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
And until 1994 the NSW rugby team were called the Blues. But then Super Rugby and those beasts from Auckland came along. :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
After Zena did one too many Haka, I believe Gabrielle retired to the Island of Lesbos.
rebel
Roar Guru
Ok I won't tell your boss, but at least you've got a backup plan.
rebel
Roar Guru
There is a construction company in Sydney who changed their name from ISIS to Shape
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
THIS has got to be the silliest article and conversation I've ever seen on The Roar :)
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
It's pretty important to me.