Bank of New Zealand Named Crusaders Naming Rights Sponsor

New Zealand rugby club the Crusaders, price will be known as the ‘BNZ Crusaders’ from 2016 onwards in a new naming rights sponsorship deal that is the first of its kind in New Zealand Super Rugby.

The Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is currently the principal partner of the Christchurch-based club, treat as part of an NZRU managed relationship across all five New Zealand Super Rugby teams.

The enhanced sponsorship deal secured BNZ naming rights of the Crusaders from 2016 in addition to the other benefits the bank currently enjoys, prostate including having its brand on the front of the Crusaders’ jersey.

“BNZ is committed to being actively involved in the future of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region,” said BNZ CEO, Andrew Thorburn.

“Sponsoring the Crusaders is one way we can continue to show our support for the city, the region and the rebuild,”  Thorburn added, referencing the February 2011 earthquake which devastated the city and surrounding region, killing 185 people.

“The Crusaders are an integral part of the fabric of the Canterbury community and this partnership further cements our commitment to supporting the future of rugby and of Christchurch.”

Chief Executive of the Crusaders, Hamish Riach, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal and said: “This is a significant long term investment and a great reflection of BNZ’s confidence in the future of Christchurch and the Crusaders. We are delighted that an organisation of BNZ’s standing has chosen the Crusaders to continue to showcase the BNZ brand.”

“BNZ is a solid New Zealand institution, they are continually striving for excellence and are champions for and enablers of a high achieving, successful New Zealand,” Riach continued. “Attributes that are not dissimilar to those for which the Crusaders strive. We are excited about what we can both achieve in the coming years through this successful partnership.”