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 12 competition, which they have won five times (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.