Crusaders Hall of Fame

Background

In 29 seasons, the Crusaders have capped 296 debutants, many of whom have shown immense loyalty to the club, with 23 players achieving over 100 appearances.

The Crusaders are the only team in Super Rugby history to win back-to-back-to-back titles twice and the only team to win 7 championships in a row.

The success of the Crusaders is undeniable, and it is now time to acknowledge and celebrate the legends of our club.

The Crusaders Hall of Fame was established in 2023, with its inaugural event selling out and attracting over 700 guests at Te Pae. The Hall of Fame was created to celebrate the Crusaders' legacy and honor the contributions of some of the club's most iconic legends.

The Hall of Fame Charity Lunch provides a unique opportunity for alumni to return, celebrate their peers, share stories, and reconnect with each other and the club to which they have given so much.

Additionally, the event offers a unique platform for the Crusaders whānau—alumni, staff, members, commercial partners, and the wider business community—to ‘crusade with heart’ and support a chosen cause. To date, over $250,000 has been raised for youth charities.

Celebrate our success. Connect our people. Care for our community.

The Hall of Fame Committee

A selection committee was formed to help select the annual inductees to ensure fairness and that no player or head coach worthy of inclusion will be missed. They’ll meet twice a year to discuss eligible inductees, making sure decisions are based on the evolving nature of the game and the Crusaders.

The current committee is:

Bob Stewart (Chairperson)
John Miles
Brian Ashby
Lesley Murdoch
Sam Broomhall
Angus Gardiner
Rob Penney
Willie Heinz

The Hall of Fame Inductee Criteria

There are seven Hall of Fame criteria to inform selection, with an inductee needing to meet at least five to be eligible.

The selection process is not purely about statistics and success by way of championships. It’s also about aligning with the club’s values, good character, leadership, courage and a range of other personal traits that invariably separate Crusaders legends from the rest.

Whilst this is a largely subjective exercise, the Crusaders Hall of Fame selection committee is confident that no player worthy of inclusion will be overlooked.

To ensure this group is special and exclusive, the Crusaders will aim to keep Hall of Fame Inductees under 10% of capped Crusaders (e.g. with 267 debutants there will not be more than 26 inductees)

Eligible parties are:  

A capped Crusaders players who has retired from playing rugby at least 5 years prior from recognition

A Head Coach who has finished coaching the Crusaders.

Eligible parties must meet a minimum of 5 of the following 7 criteria: 

Played or coached 100 or more games for the Crusaders OR played or coached for the Crusaders more than 8 seasons. 
Played in or coached a Championship Winning Team
Achieved and displayed excellence in their playing position throughout their playing career. (Excellence is a subjective measure, however awarded accolades and achievements will have a significant weighting in this criteria e.g. Player of the Year).
Lead on and off the field in action and behaviour. Lived the Crusaders values throughout their career and has remained of good character. Crusaders Values being; Loyalty, Work Ethic, Respect, Integrity, Equality, Team First, Enjoyment
A team man who always puts the team first and brought the best out of their Crusaders teammates 
Have been selected for or coached an international team
Have had a significant contribution to the team on and off the field