Crusaders partner with Tait Communications to power secure team communications
The Crusaders are proud to welcome Tait Communications into our whānau as our exclusive critical communications partner.
From this season, our players, coaches and wider staff will use Tait’s Christchurch‑built P25 encrypted radios – the same technology trusted by emergency services across the world.
The shift gives us secure, clear communication at training, community events and when clear comms matters most – under pressure on game day.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the partnership feels like a natural alignment between two Canterbury success stories.
“Tait Communications is a global success story, trusted by organisations operating in the most demanding environments around the world, yet is deeply connected to Christchurch.
“We care deeply about performing under pressure and Tait’s commitment to reliability and innovation mirrors exactly what we strive for as a club, and we’re genuinely excited about what we can achieve together.”
Tait Communications CEO and Managing Director Yoram Benit, PhD, says much like the Crusaders, they are known around the world for excellence, reliability and performing during pressure situations.
“As our founder Sir Angus Tait put it, success comes from unwavering dedication, teamwork in the face of adversity and aiming high. He also staunchly believed in serving the local community, so our values align well with the Crusaders. We’re proud to partner with our local club and ensure they can perform to the highest standards using our secure critical communications solutions.”
Senior Partnership Manager Bridget Johnstone says the response from within the club has been instant.
“There’s real excitement about this. Tait plays a crucial role in moments where failure simply isn’t an option, and that resonates with our people. Their reputation for rock‑solid communication, digital security and reliability gives us confidence in every environment we operate in.”
She says the partnership also gives us a chance to tell a bigger story.
“It’s a powerful opportunity to highlight just how important trusted communication is in fast‑moving, high‑pressure environments, whether that’s elite sport or critical services around the world.”
Head Coach Rob Penney has been equally impressed.
“Barry and the Tait team took the time to understand how we operate as coaches. They looked at what we need during live moments and where communication genuinely impacts performance.
“In professional sport, one percent can define a season. Tait has given us far more than that. They haven’t just helped us improve our communication, they’ve built a solution that makes us clearer, more connected and better prepared.”
Tait worked closely with our High-Performance team to tailor a system that meets the demands of daily training, travel and stadium environments.
As we move into a new era at One New Zealand Stadium and continue to improve our world-class standards and systems, we’re proud to stand alongside a Canterbury‑born global leader committed to excellence.