Crusaders fans might be getting used to having the country's best rugby team, but there was no sign today of winners' fatigue.
Elisetele Makalio (left) and her older sister Puaga, travelled down from Auckland to watch their brother, Richard Makalio, play for the Crusaders on Saturday. Photo: RNZ / Nicholas Pointon
About 500 fans from as far as Portland, Oregon, flocked to Christchurch City Gallery today, for a chance to meet their red and black heroes.
Saturday's Super rugby final victory against the Argentinean Jaguares, was the Crusaders' 10th title and third in as many years.
The clear blue sky brought out a range of supporters, from the retired to children and their families enjoying the start of school holidays.
Fans roared with jubilation as the Crusaders team bus pulled up to gallery.
Nine-year-old Sienna Spackman was among them, whose family had driven up from Timaru.
She said she was eager to get a glimpse of her favourite player, first five-eighth Richie Mo'unga.
"He's a really good kicker and when I play rugby I like kicking."
Spackman said if she had the chance to talk to Mo'unga she would be sure to tell him that he is awesome at rugby.
The celebration also showed that Crusaders appeal cuts across boarders.
Cameron Gaines is a Crusaders superfan living in Portland, Oregon. His father is from Christchurch and he himself was born in the Garden City. As a consequence, he has always had to follow the team from afar.
It was by chance that the Crusaders playoff run coincided with his family's trip to visit relatives in New Zealand.
The 16-year-old was overjoyed to see the team compete at Christchurch Stadium on Saturday and to meet his favourite player in person was simply amazing.
"Jack Goodhue is my favourite player, I love his mullet too, it's quite good!"
Crusaders fan Cameron Gaines, 16, was visiting from Portland. Photo: RNZ / Nicholas Pointon
He said Goodhue's iconic hairstyle had left quite the impression.
"I am going for the mullet, trust me."
For some of those at the celebration, it was the last opportunity to farewell players and coaches who have been pillars of the Crusaders success in recent years.
Veterans Ryan Crotty, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Owen Franks and Kieran Read are amongst those who played their last game for the red and blacks on Saturday.
It was also the final time assistant coaches Brad Mooar and Ronan O'Gara would sit in the coaches box alongside head coach Scott Robertson.
Perennial season ticket holder Warner Milne said the team it was sad to see the team lose a raft of experience.
"I saw those guys come through as young players and they bring that experience, that stability, that level headedness that comes with the team.
"Maybe we won't win next season because we are losing all that experience but the way the Crusaders recruitment program works, we're bringing all these people through and we've got some good young talent."
He said he could not wait to see how coach Scott Robertson handled the tasks of coaching a radically different team next year.
Scott Robertson said the connection between the team and the fans is as strong as it had ever been.
"It just showed on Saturday night with the voice the [fans] gave us.
"It wasn't the most prettiest of games, it was a final and it was tough, and the fans knew that in the context of what it was about."
