Crusaders Scrap Horse Tradition at New Christchurch Stadium

The Crusaders, the defending Super Rugby champions, have announced the end of their long-standing pre-match tradition of featuring horses at home games. The decision follows the team’s move from Apollo Projects Stadium in Addington to the new Te Kaha Stadium, also known as One New Zealand Stadium, in Christchurch’s central city.

According to a statement from the club, the ritual can no longer be safely accommodated at the new venue. The Crusaders explained that limited space around the field at Te Kaha would have forced the six horses onto the playing surface.

The organization stated that allowing the horses on the turf would have compromised the safety of the animals and the condition of the playing surface, while also creating potential injury risks for players and other personnel within the venue.

Shift to Multi-Use Venue

One New Zealand Stadium is a $672 million multi-use venue designed for the broader community rather than being built exclusively for the Crusaders. While the venue was designed to bring crowds closer to the action for live entertainment and sport, the club noted that this represents a significant shift from the previous venues they have used.

The horse ritual had been a symbolic part of the Crusaders matchday experience since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996. For nearly 30 years, the horses and their riders led the team onto the field before the start of the match.

The six horses used in the ritual represented the six provincial unions of the top of the South Island:

• Tasman
• Buller
• West Coast
• South Canterbury
• Mid Canterbury
• Canterbury

Club and Fan Reaction

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge described the decision as a tough call to make, acknowledging the emotional weight of the tradition for both the club and its supporters.

This is a decision that really hurts because the horses have been part of who we are from the very beginning, and we know how much they mean to our fans.

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders chief executive

The announcement has sparked reactions from the fan base, with some supporters expressing frustration over the loss of the ritual. Reports from The Press indicate that some fans have responded strongly to the stadium decision, with some suggesting the absence of the horses would impact fan attendance.