The Crusaders have unveiled their 2026 home jersey, celebrating 30 years of history while marking the team’s move to One New Zealand Stadium.

Designed by Anzac Tasker, the jersey features textured elements that symbolise legacy, contribution and the collective strength of the region’s rugby community.

“Our role is to ensure what we create feels like an extension of the people who wear it players, fans, and the wider community,” Tasker said.

Braided river textures run through the jersey, representing the many different contributions that have shaped the Crusaders over the past 3 decades.

“Those rivers tell a powerful story; they represent individual journeys that come together to create collective strength,” Tasker said.

He said the textured design reflects the sacrifices, service and teamwork that have carried the club forward.

“Like rivers that meet and add momentum to each other, these details honour those who have carried the team to this point and will keep driving us forward.”

The design also references architectural features of Te Kaha, the team’s new home stadium.

Players asked for one element to be non negotiable. Six peaks representing the 6 provincial unions that underpin Crusaders rugby sit on the back of the collar.

“These unions have shaped our legacy and remain the foundation of who we are today,” Tasker said.

Past and present players contributed to the development of the jersey.

Crusader number 84 Dan Carter said it was an honour to be involved.

“Wearing the jersey has always been about upholding and strengthening the legacy of the Crusaders and having pride in the red and black. I’m stoked to see the six provincial unions proudly represented they’re a big part of who we are.”

Samuel Whitelock also helped shape the final design.

“It’s always special to stay connected with the Crusaders, but to be asked to have input into the 2026 jersey was incredibly humbling,” Whitelock said.

“It tells such a powerful story of our club and to have past and present Crusaders contribute to the ongoing legacy of the team in ways such as this is awesome. I can’t wait to see the team wear it next season.”

Tasker said the jersey is designed to feel like a traditional cloak, wrapping players in a sense of strength and care, reinforcing the idea that rugby is a community game as much as a professional sport.

“When players pull this jersey on, they’ll feel the warmth of that cloak, the weight of history, and the privilege of contributing to a proud legacy,” he said.

“And when fans wear it too, players and supporters become one team.”

Tasker said every detail reflects the Crusaders’ connection to their supporters.

“It’s a shared sense of pride that binds us as one team, one whānau, and one home in the top half of the South Island.”

A phrase printed on the back of the neck reinforces that message.

“Mā pango, mā whero, ka oti te mahi with great leadership and the strength of our community, anything is possible.”

In addition to the home strip, the Crusaders have released their 2026 away and heritage jerseys.

The team will open the 2026 season in a reimagined 1996 heritage jersey marking 30 years of Super Rugby.