Crusaders fans are making their voices heard over the mooted change of name for the Christchurch Super Rugby side, with a petition to keep the original name nearing 25,000 signatures.
Following the March 15 terrorist attacks that left 50 dead and dozens more injured, after a gunman opened fire on two separate mosques, the Crusaders have found themselves contemplating their identity as a team. The team name is a reference to the Crusades of the Mediterranean that saw Muslims killed by Christians.
Started by fan Shane Cannons, the petition is directed towards the New Zealand Government rather than the Crusaders or New Zealand Rugby.
The Crusaders are a "team that thousands of people around the world have loved for so long", Mr Cannons wrote.
"So to change their name because the Government thinks it's a good idea is just unbelievable. Please sign this and share it around.
"Maybe we might just get heard."
The Crusaders have already axed their pre-match entertainment of sword wielding horsemen riding around AMI Stadium, while New Zealand Rugby have said that the side's branding is "no longer tenable".