a New Zealand Rugby Union team based in Christchurch,
New Zealand that competes in the Super 14 (formerly the Super 12).
They are the current Super 14 champions and the most successful
team in Super Rugby history. The franchise represents the Buller,
Canterbury, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury, Tasman, and
West Coast provincial rugby unions. Their main home ground is Jade Stadium.
Formed in
1996 to represent the upper South Island of New
Zealand in the Super 12, the team struggled in its
first year,
finishing last. Their performance improved in 1997
and the team
finished sixth (out of twelve teams). Between 1998 and 2000 the team
won all three titles, with each final won away from home.
Between 2001 and 2005 they finished runners-up twice,
and won the competition twice, including in their
2002 unbeaten
season. In 2006 the Crusaders hosted the Hurricanes in the inaugural
Super 14 final, winning 19-12.
