The Crusaders have confirmed the Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy has been damaged after the team secured the competition title at the weekend.
The nine-time champions continued their reign of success by beating the Highlanders in Christchurch on Sunday to win the domestic competition with a match to spare.
But Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge has confirmed the trophy - created by Ōtaki carver Bill Doyle and featuring a pounamu atop a carved upturned waka - has been damaged in the wake of the victory.
A short time ago Mansbridge spoke with sports reporter Clay Wilson.
