For the third year in a row, hundreds of people came together to celebrate and recognise the success of some of our Crusaders alumni and watch three more of our greats of the game get inducted into the Hall of Fame.  

The Crusade with Heart Foundation event was a chance to recognise our club’s legacy on the field, but it was also a humbling opportunity to help contribute to something bigger than rugby; the youth of Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

Youth Hub Christchurch was the charity partner for the Hall of Fame event, with all money raised going to the hub through silent and live auction items.  

Over 900 people gathered at Te Pae Convention Centre for the event and helped raise $133,603 for Youth Hub – New Zealand’s first purpose-built hub focused on the wellbeing of our young people.  

 It brings together a range of organisations under one roof, delivering a holistic model of wrap-around services for young people aged 10-25. It’s designed to give our young people, especially those who have faced adversity in their lives so far, the skills and support they need to thrive.  

It aims to be their turning point. 

Youth Hub founder, Dame Sue Bagshaw says they are honoured the Crusade with Heart Foundation chose them as the charity partner for this year’s event.  

“Being the new kid on the block and having limited resources means we’d never be able to put on a fundraising event of that size and scale. Not only does it help us raise critical funds to continue building the Youth Hub, but it helps us to raise awareness about Youth Hub Christchurch and the issues facing rangatahi today,” says Dame Sue.  

“We are proud to partner with the Crusaders as they share a commitment to improve youth mental health and wellbeing. We applaud the Foundation for the positive impact it has had on its community since it was established in 2022 and for showing the Crusaders are more than just a sports team.” 

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the real highlight of the event is seeing the connection in the room and being able to show the wider Crusaders whanau how much we care.  

“Connection has always been a cornerstone of who we are – on and off the field. Each year, the Hall of Fame charity lunch gives us the opportunity to bring our alumni together, to reconnect them with the club, and strengthen the bonds between past and present. But it’s much more powerful than that.  

“Caring is embedded in our DNA – we crusade with heart, we are for each other, and we are more than a rugby team. If we can use our voice, brand and events like the Hall of Fame to uplift the lives of others and have a positive impact on our community, then that’s what truly matters,” says Mansbridge.  

Hall of Fame Inductees 

In 2023, the inaugural Hall of Fame event was held, where Todd Blackadder, Justin Marshall, and Sir Wayne Smith were inducted.  

2024 saw Norm Maxwell, Leon MacDonald and Reuben Thorne join them.  

This year, Mark Hammett, Caleb Ralph and Greg Somerville joined the esteemed club of Crusaders legends. 

Mark Hammett  

Crusader #18 

Crusaders Hall of Fame Inductee #7 

“It feels like Christmas receiving this award. 

“It’s a huge understatement to say how humbled I am to be recognised by this organisation and from the bottom of my heart, I thank the Crusaders. 

“There’s a quote I think sums up this place, and it’s: “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. The care in this place is genuine and authentic.” 
 

Caleb Ralph 

Crusader #57 

Crusaders Hall of Fame Inductee #8 

“This is quite an emotional day, I didn’t realise how emotional it would be. 

“It’s surreal, I walked in and saw the previous inductees up on the wall, the people as a young guy I looked up to; they are legends and to be recognised alongside them is so humbling. It hasn’t really sunk in, and I don’t think it will for a long time. 

“It’s not until you look back and reflect when it’s all over when you realise how awesome it was. While you’re playing, you don’t think about records or games played or tries scored, you just loved being a part of a team environment. It’s not until it’s finished that you really appreciate what you had.” 

Greg Somerville 

Crusader #58 

Crusaders Hall of Fame Inductee #9 

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame and to be individually recognised amongst many other magnificent people - players, coaches and management - I must admit feels a bit awkward. To be singled out amongst so many other incredible individuals is hugely humbling. 

“Today isn’t just about me, but the guys I played alongside, every time I come back here it’s so special. In a way to conclude and capture the meaning of the Crusaders for me: he tangata he tangata he tangata, it is people, it is people, it is people. 

“By being inducted into the Hall of Fame, my hope of being a good teammate, I think I may have achieved.” 

A huge thank you to all our valued commercial partners and our wider community for attending the Hall of Fame event. The impact you help us make is more than we could imagine, and we couldn’t do it without your generous support.  

You are all such an important part of our club, and we thank you for your continued support in helping us add to the legacy of the Crusade with Heart Foundation and empowering us to change people’s lives.