Crusaders Champion Regional Communities
The Crusaders have been busy connecting with young fans in a series of school visits aroundSouth Canterbury.
With the help of commercial partners including Isaac Group and Temuka Transport – the team can get out into the regions that make up the Crusaders catchment and inspire the next generation of rugby players.
The team’s visit to local schools was an exciting opportunity for children to meet their rugby heroes up close. During their time at each school, the Crusaders players led interactive Q&A sessions, shared details around their personal rugby journeys, as well as spending some one-on-one time with students posing for photos and signing posters.
“Thank you to Temuka Transport for enabling us to connect with the South Canterbury Region. It is always great to get down this way with the Highlanders and connect with young people”, Scott Barrett commented.
Temuka Transport recognises the importance of giving back to the communities they work in and alongside and providing opportunities for their community to engage with Super Rugby players is one way they can do just that.
A key player in the South Island’s logistics industry, it has shown its dedication to supporting local initiatives through partnerships with both the Crusaders and the Highlanders.
“This is important for our region, and we want to re-engage our community with the players at Super Rugby level to help grow our game” said Nigel Walsh, General Manager.
“Thanks to all that made this happen”.
The visits were met with overwhelming enthusiasm from local students and teachers.
The Crusaders’ commitment to the wider community is not just limited to these school visits. Their charitable trust, Crusade with Heart, champions youth charities that support mental, health and wellbeing initiatives.
“It’s a real honour and privilege for our players to be able to make time to connect with our community and the regions that the Crusaders represent,” says Kirsty Brown, General Manager Community Engagement.
“The impact they have as role models is immense, often in ways so simple they don’t even realise it. Whether it’s putting smiles on kids and families faces during a child cancer ward visit or a simple pat on the back and a ‘great job mate’ to a future Crusader, it’s a moment they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”
As the team continues its successful 2025 season off the back of an historic win in Fiji, these regional engagements are a reminder of the important role rugby can play in uniting communities on and off the field.