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Crusaders will consider changing their name following Friday's terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch.
A statement released Sunday by the Crusaders said the Super Rugby club "understood the concerns that had been expressed" about the club's name.
"For us, the name of the crusaders is a reflection of the crusade spirit of this community," reads the statement. "What we stand for, is the reverse of what happened in Christchurch on Friday, our crusade is one for peace, unity, inclusion and the community spirit. "
KAI SCHWOERER / GETTY IMAGES
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said his organization would have a wide range of conversations, including with the Muslim community, about a possible name change.
"In our opinion, it's a conversation we should have and we take into account all the feedback we receive.However, we also believe that the moment has not come yet."
READ MORE: The crusaders defend the name of the team
Fifty people have died and more than 30 are still in the hospital as a result of Friday 's attack.
The crusades were a series of conflicts including wars between Christians and Muslims in the Mediterranean, which began about a thousand years ago. Crusades would have resulted in between one and two million deaths.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge told TVNZ on Sunday – before issuing the statement – that the club would have a discussion on the next step.
"There is a lot of emotion in the conversations right now," Mansbridge said. "We heard it, we heard the comments and we wish to discuss it."
When the Super Rugby started in 1996, the Crusaders were one of five teams to train in New Zealand. This is the most titled club in the history of the competition with nine titles.
The statement that followed his comments to TVNZ indicated that "emotions are very vivid and real right now."
The Crusaders' match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night was canceled following the terrorist attacks, with each team receiving two points.
"In due course, we will examine in depth the issues that have been raised and our response to that," the crusaders said in a statement. "This will include conversations with a range of people, including our Muslim community."
Mansbridge said that it was important to note that "things are still pretty raw".
"I would say we're in a state of shock, we're going to recognize the feedback we've had." "It's appropriate." But rugby, given what's happened, it's pretty hard to say. Expand this conversation for the moment. "
Following the tragedy on Friday, social media suggested that the club plans to look for a different name and logo.
Other fans on the same forums have argued that the rugby club should retain the name of Crusaders, recognized around the world as fertile ground for the famous All Blacks, such as current captain Kieran Read and the former Big names Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Mansbridge's comments indicate that the Crusaders have changed their position in terms of name changes.
On Saturday night, after the match at Dunedin was put on hold, Stuff asked the Crusaders if the club would consider an alternative title.
A press release was issued stating that the team and the organization at large are united with "our community" to oppose such "heinous acts that have occurred" and support the community. Muslim.
"It's bigger than rugby and we are absolutely upset for our wider community, which is what we are currently thinking," said the statement released Saturday.
"Regarding the names of the Crusaders, we recognize and understand the concerns that have been raised, and for us, the name of the Crusaders is a reflection of the crusading spirit of this community and certainly not a religious statement.
"What we are defending is the opposite of what happened in Christchurch yesterday (Friday), our crusade is based on peace, unity, inclusivity, and integrity. 39, spirit of community. "
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