Radio Sport Breakfast

Support from a long-time, high-profile fan of the Crusaders as they contemplate a name change. The Christchurch-based Super Rugby franchise announced on Wednesday that they will engage independent research company, Research First, to seek feedback and provide recommendations on the Crusaders team name and brand.Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said they are committed to taking the process seriously and doing the right thing."This is an event that rocked our community and brought some important issues to the fore," Mansbridge said. "One of the contentious issues that has been brought up in the aftermath of the Christchurch attacks is the name of our rugby team – the Crusaders.Former Christchurch resident, sports commentator and fan Phil Gifford told Radio Sport Breakfast that he applauds the Crusaders for having the discussion.He says that he is a little startled that some of the changes, such as removing the knights on horses from the pre-game entertainment, have already been decided on. Gifford says that he ne