8 Aug 2017

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Christchurch rugby fans have given a hero's welcome to the champion BNZ Crusaders.

Young and old lined Worcester Boulevard, waving red and black flags, as the Super Rugby champions ambled to the Christchurch Art Gallery, taking time along the way to sign autographs and get photos with fans.

There was "no way" 86-year-old Crusaders fan Caro Murray was missing her chance to see the players up close and celebrate their success.

"Oh I've been a Crusaders fan since the beginning - since PR - that's 'Pre-Richie'. They've done jolly well this season and I think the secret has just been their 'don't give up' attitude."

For 11-year-old Joshua Taulani, the celebration was a chance to meet his heroes, particularly the Tongan players in the team.

"I'm actually a Hurricanes supporter but I support all the Tongan players in the Crusaders team. Dad set the alarm and got me up for the game on the weekend, but I fell asleep halfway through. When I woke up, the game was over and Dad was celebrating, and so were the players. It's really cool."

At the Art Gallery the team received a rousing welcome from the crowd and from the Mayor, who was fitted out in a Crusaders' jersey.

Congratulating the team on their stunning victory, Ms Dalziel said they had won the championship against the odds because of their inspirational team ethos and the "razor sharp coaching'' of Scott Robertson. 

Addressing the crowd Robertson said it had been important for the team to have the opportunity to thank their fans. 

"It's just great that all the kids could come along and see their heroes,'' Robertson said. The team would remember the day and the 2017 season with fond memories. 

"Seeing all these faces here today means everything for these guys,'' Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock added.