When the Crusaders will meet the Brumbies tonight it will be the first game that their imagery and branding will not feature in their banner.
New Zealand Rugby says the sword-wielding knights and horses are no longer tenable because of their association with the series of wars against Muslims nearly 1000 years ago.
They say that the team’s name will be independently assessed and could change before the 2020 Super Rugby season starts.
Meanwhile, All Blacks props Owen Franks and Joe Moody will be lining up for the Crusaders.
Coach Scott Robertson says both props were out for a few weeks recovering from injuries and now they are fit and ready to take the field.
All Blacks Captain Kieran Read will take over captaincy from Sam Whitelock who will be starting from the bench.
The Crusaders will host the Brumbies at Rugby League Park in Christchurch at 4.15pm.
The Blues will take on the Waratahs at 6:35pm, Rebels will face Sunwolves at 8.45pm while the Bulls will take on Jaguares at 1:05am tomorrow.
[Source:Rugbypass]
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