Canterbury Crusaders

The Crusaders (originally known as the Canterbury Crusaders) are a New Zealand Rugby Union team based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Jade Stadium, and representing the Nelson Bays, Marlborough, Buller, West Coast, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury unions. They compete in the Super 14 competition, which they won five of the 10 years in which it was known as the Super 12 (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005).

Related Topics:
New Zealand - Rugby Union - Christchurch, New Zealand - Canterbury - Super 14

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In 2002, the Crusaders had a perfect season, winning all 11 games in the main body of the tournament, and then their semi-final and the final. This was their first season under the leadership of Reuben Thorne, who also captained the All Blacks throughout 2002 and 2003. Richie McCaw then assumed the position and captained the team to its fifth Super 12 championship in 2005.

Related Topics:
Reuben Thorne - All Blacks - Richie McCaw

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