FOLLOW THE DREAM TEAM IN 2024 CRUSADERS ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN TOUR
The Crusaders, New Zealand’s dominant rugby union team, have exciting news for their fans as they announce their first-ever pre-season international tour in Europe. The tour, scheduled for February 2024, will see the Crusaders face off against United Rugby Championship title holders Munster and Premiership outfit Bristol Bears in two highly anticipated fixtures.
This tour is more than just a preseason venture for the Crusaders; it serves as a stepping stone towards the establishment of a fully-fledged world club championship. New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have been working tirelessly towards the realization of this global competition, with a potential debut in 2025. The opportunity for Super teams to play against their northern hemisphere counterparts was too good to pass up, and the Crusaders are eager to be part of this exciting development.
While the Crusaders will be without their sizeable All Blacks contingent for the tour, as those players will still be on post-World Cup leave, fans can still look forward to witnessing some top-quality rugby. Munster, the current United Rugby Championship titleholders, will provide tough competition, having a history of challenging touring sides. In 2008, they famously fell just short of upsetting the All Blacks, losing by a narrow margin of 18-16.You may remember a late try by Joe Rokocoko saved the All Blacks. The fixture against Munster is sure to whet the appetite of fans eagerly anticipating the establishment of the world club championship.
Bristol Bears, a seasoned Premiership team, will be the Crusaders’ second opponent during the tour. The Bears, led by director of rugby Pat Lam, have a strong connection with the Crusaders. Lam previously coached the Blues and even played three games for the Crusaders in 1996. The encounter with Bristol presents an exciting opportunity for both teams to test their skills against each other. Furthermore, it allows the Crusaders’ new coaching group to connect and the playing group to travel and compete together in a new environment.
The significance of this European tour is not lost on the Crusaders’ chief executive, Colin Mansbridge. Mansbridge expresses his excitement about the prospect of playing matches in Europe again, highlighting the strong relationship between New Zealand and Australian clubs in the development of the World Club Competition. He recognizes the tough competition Munster will provide, given their track record against touring sides, and the special connection with the Crusaders’ new head coach, Rob Penney, who previously coached at Munster. Mansbridge also acknowledges Bristol Bears’ calibre and the existing relationship between the two clubs, making this fixture even more intriguing.
The Crusaders’ European tour marks a historic occasion for the team, as it will be their first match on European soil since their clash against the Sharks at Twickenham in 2011. That match took place as part of the Super Rugby season, following the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch that year. The opportunity to return to Europe and face formidable opponents is a testament to the Crusaders’ status as one of the best club sides in the world.
As the Crusaders embark on their European tour, fans can anticipate an exhilarating display of rugby and a taste of what a future world club championship may hold. The tour serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to establish a global competition for club teams. For the Crusaders, it is an opportunity to kick off the post-Scott Robertson era and showcase their prowess on the international stage. With their new head coach, Rob Penney, leading the way, the Crusaders are determined to make their mark and continue their legacy of excellence.
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