The Crusaders (originally known as the Canterbury Crusaders) are a New Zealand Rugby Union team based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Jade Stadium, and representing the Nelson Bays, Marlborough, Buller, West Coast, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury unions.

They compete in the Super 14 competition, which they won five of the 10 years in which it was known as the Super 12 (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005).

In 2002, the Crusaders had a perfect season, winning all 11 games in the main body of the tournament, and then their semi-final and the final.

This was their first season under the leadership of Reuben Thorne, who also captained the All Blacks throughout 2002 and 2003. Richie McCaw then assumed the position and captained the team to its fifth Super 12 championship in 2005.

After the Super 12 became the Super 14 the Crusaders continued with their dominance of Southern Hemisphere rugby by winning the inaugaral Super 14.

Super positions

2007 .. 3rd .. (lost to Bulls in Semi)
2006 .. 1st .. (defeated Hurricanes in final 19-12)

Super 12 positions

2005 .. 1st .. (defeated Waratahs in final)
2004 .. 2nd .. (lost final to ACT Brumbies)
2003 .. 2nd .. (lost final to Blues)
2002 .. 1st .. (defeated ACT Brumbies in final)
2001 .. 10th
2000 .. 1st .. (defeated ACT Brumbies in final)
1999 .. 1st .. (defeated Otago Highlanders in final)
1998 .. 1st .. (defeated Auckland Blues in final)
1997 .. 6th
1996 .. 12th