New Zealand Super Rugby club BNZ Crusaders has renamed its home ground Wyatt Crockett Stadium in honour of its most-capped player.
The 18,000-capacity stadium in Christchurch will be named after current player Wyatt Crockett, who is set to mark his 200th Super Rugby appearance on Friday against the Highlanders.
Crockett, the most capped league player of all time, is currently in his 13th and final season with the BNZ Crusaders.
BNZ Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said: “This game is an exciting opportunity for the BNZ Crusaders, and our fans, to acknowledge Crocky’s superb contribution to Super Rugby, and we’re grateful to AMI Insurance for allowing us to rename the stadium for this fixture as a celebration of such a memorable milestone.”
Image: BNZ Crusaders
In addition, BNZ Crusaders sponsor 2degrees are also getting behind the celebrations, and will provide 5,000 ‘Crockzilla’ headbands to fans when they arrive at Wyatt Crockett Stadium on Friday night. Crockett is well known for the white headband and black tape he wears.
“This is an achievement that resonates with a lot of people, and we thank 2degrees for their support in adding to the fan experience for this match. We know there will be a number of supporters in the crowd who have followed Crocky’s career since it began in 2006, and this is an opportunity for those fans to head along and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic game of footy as well as a special occasion,” Riach said.The capacity has been expanded to 19,600 for the special game, with a temporary stand being constructed in the west stand to accommodate an additional 2,000 fans.
Image: Geoff Trotter
