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Crusaders acknowledge requests for name change in wake of Christchurch shootings

March 17, 2019

CEO Colin Mansbridge says that his organisation are listening to concerns.

In the wake of Friday's deadly Christchurch terror attacks, the Crusaders say they are considering changing their name to a less provocative title.

As a gunman opened fire on two Christchurch mosques leaving 50 dead and the same number injured, the issue of the Crusaders' name has again reared its head, with the name being a reference to the medieval Crusades.

The Crusades were a targeted attack of Muslims by Christians between 1095 and 1492, most notably in the eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking to 1 NEWS today, CEO Colin Mansbridge says that his organisation is listening to the concerns of those in the wake of Friday's attacks, and will consider a name change for the future.

"The first thing for us is things are still fairly raw," Mansbridge said.

"We're in a state of shock. We'll acknowledge the feedback we've had. It is appropriate.

"[But] rugby in the context of what's happened is pretty hard to sort of elevate this conversation at the moment."

While no immediate decision has been made by the Crusaders as to the potential future of their name, Mansbridge says that discussions will be had in due course. 

"There's a lot of emotion going around in terms of conversation at the moment.

"We've heard it, we've heard the feedback, and we do want to have a conversation about it," he said.

A 28-year-old Australian man has been charged with murder following the attacks on two Christchurch mosques on Friday.

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