Two legends there from day one: Rochie and Foxy reflect on 14 years at Apollo Projects Stadium
Fourteen seasons, ninety‑nine wins, countless cold nights, tight finishes and moments that will live forever in Crusaders history.
As the team prepares to farewell Apollo Projects Stadium, two men who have been there from the very beginning pause to reflect on a place that was never meant to last this long but somehow became home.
John Miles – better known as Foxy, Logistics Manager – and John Roche, or Rochie – lead Physio, were part of the first Crusaders side to run out at the venue on March 24, 2012, against the Cheetahs. Fourteen years on, they’ve seen it all.
Foxy is straight up about it. “Personally, I won’t miss a lot of it, really,” he says.
“It’s been good to the Crusaders, but the facilities and surroundings aren’t great for the public or the team. That said, there’s been some great times there.”
For Rochie, the connection runs deeper with time.
“When we first moved there, we didn’t think we were going to be there for this length of time,” he says.
“But at the time it was really special to be able to have a home ground. With the success and milestones over the years, it starts to feel like home. You arrive there and it just feels good to be there.”
Both acknowledge the challenges that came with a stadium built in just 100 days. Smaller rooms, tight workspaces and having to make things work week after week.
Yet that temporary nature became part of the Crusaders’ identity. Although, there is one thing neither of them will miss – the cold.
“The freezing nights haven’t been fun. Going indoors will be a bit warmer, which will be nice,” Foxy says.
Rochie laughs in agreeance, but says the cold probably helped us at times.
“The team really rolled their sleeves up in the second half of the season. Other teams didn’t enjoy coming here, and maybe that played into our hands.”
With 99 wins already recorded at the stadium, the question of home advantage is hard to ignore.
“I don’t know if it’s the stadium itself, but any team that wins that many games at home has to say there’s something about the place,” says Foxy.
Rochie believes the advantage was created, not inherited.
“It started as a pretty basic construction that went up really quickly. But the team, the coaches and the supporters created an environment that helped us be successful. Now the challenge is taking that into the new stadium and building the same culture.”
Choosing a favourite memory from fourteen seasons isn’t easy.
“The British & Irish Lions, England, Mitch Hunt’s drop kick. Some close wins, some really impressive ones. There’s not just one moment – it’s all of it,” Foxy says.
Rochie’s memories live in the moments you don’t always see on the highlights reel.
“Those times when the team’s defending their own line for phase after phase and holding teams out. Then being in the sheds afterwards, celebrating in that small dressing room. Some players and staff had their entire Crusaders career with this stadium as their home ground. That’s pretty massive.”
For Rochie, the lack of space became part of the camaraderie.
“Two of us strapping players shoulder to shoulder in a tiny room, it was great for banter, but the next facility is going to feel pretty luxurious.”
Both are excited about what comes next: world‑class facilities, space, a fresh start. But Rochie is quick to ground it in what really matters.
“It’s still about the people. You can have the best facility in the world, but it’s the culture, the passion and the drive that make it special.”
Apollo Projects Stadium may have been built as an interim home ground, but it became a fortress and one of the most intimidating stadiums in Super Rugby.
And thanks to the people who lived its story from day one, its legacy will always be part of the club’s history.
Join us as we say one final farewell on Friday 3 April.