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Some Things Are Bigger Than Rugby

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Men's Mental Health Round. 

Come for the game. Stay for your mates.

Crusaders v Hurricanes, Friday 29 May, One New Zealand Stadium

This Friday May 29 when we take on the Hurricanes, rugby gives us a reason to come together. But the match will also stand for something far bigger than the scoreboard.

This is our Men's Mental Health Match.

Right now, nearly 1 in 4 men in New Zealand are struggling with their mental health. Behind every statistic is a person - someone's father, brother, son, partner, teammate.

That's why this match matters.

The Crusaders and Hurricanes come together for this round because we know rugby has reach, and with that comes responsibility.

We also know that men are less likely to seek help when they're struggling. Too often, silence feels easier than speaking up.

But every time one person talks, it makes it easier for the next.

Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7)

Men's Mental Health Round, Friday 29 May

It's time to chat

It's time to chat

Men's Mental Health Match is about using our platform to start conversations that might otherwise feel hard. It's about reminding people that checking in on a mate can be simple, powerful and life-changing.

Because while rugby is what brings us together, it's not the most important thing. Your mental health is.

Because some things are more important than rugby.

For this match, a donation was included in our ticket prices to support the mental health of rangatahi (young people) across the Crusaders region. We have partnered with BetterMan and The Crusade with Heart Foundation's School Wellbeing and Resilience Programme to support this.

What you can do

What you can do

  • Check in on a mate. A message. A call. A quiet moment to ask "Are you okay?" and really mean it.
  • Be open to talking, even if it feels uncomfortable
  • Know where to go for support

Need to talk?

  • Call or text 1737 — free, confidential, available 24/7
  • Or visit 1737 Digital Hub for more information

References:
Statistics New Zealand 2021 General Social Survey — 22.8% of men report poor overall mental wellbeing

What's on at the game!

What's on at the game!

From 5:30pm – GIB Men's Shed (Lancaster Pad)

A safe, welcoming space for anyone to come together and have a yarn.

  • Free haircuts from Benny's Barbers (with bonus chats)
  • 0% Moa beers (first in, first served)
  • From 6:15pm, Rog & Mitch from The Rock host a live Q&A with special guests, including Crusaders players
  • Live art creation by Dcypher, to be auctioned with proceeds supporting school mental health programmes alongside Betterman

Bring your voice and your energy as we stand together for our powerful pre-match Moment Against Silence — let's lift the roof off One New Zealand Stadium.

At halftime:

  • The Rock Mates Carry, where two mates who have each others backs will win $1,000 thanks to Golden Homes
  • UC's Lads Without Labels inflatable race — with bragging rights on the line

You'll also find Betterman, Lads Without Labels, and Mind Set Engage around the stadium supporting this important kaupapa.