The future of the Crusaders name is in doubt with the Super Rugby franchise and New Zealand Rugby announcing they have engaged an independent research company to seek feedback and provide recommendations on the side's team name and imagery.
This comes as the two organisations announced the Crusaders sword-wielding horseman will not feature in any pre-game entertainment for the remainder of the 2019 season, stating the imagery associated with the Crusaders name was "no longer tenable" and cast doubts over the long term future of the horseman.
The Crusaders have faced pressure from the public to make changes to their name and imagery in the wake of the March 15 terror attack on two Christchurch Mosques that killed 50 people.
It appears unlikely the pre-match entertainment of the horseman will return post 2019 with New Zealand chief executive Steve Tew stating "maintaining the status quo in terms of the Crusaders name along with the current imagery of the knights on horseback is, in our view, no longer tenable".
"In the wake of the Christchurch attacks, it is apparent that the symbolism the club has used, combined with the 'Crusaders' name, is offensive to some in the community due to its association with the religious Crusades between Christians and Muslims," Tew said.
Public opinion has been mixed since Crusaders chief executive Colin Mainsbridge announced the side were open to a name change and it was made public the side taken the first step in the consultation process.
"One thing that has become very clear in the last two weeks is that there are divided opinions on the best way forward for the brand," Tew said. "We understand and appreciate the passionate feedback that we are receiving on both sides of the conversation, and at this stage we are committed to keeping an open mind until the independent research has been done."
Mainsbridge said the nine-time Super Rugby champions were taking calls for a name change very seriously and were "committed to doing the right thing".
"One of the contentious issues that have been brought up in the aftermath of the Christchurch attacks is the name of our rugby team - the Crusaders," Mansbridge said.
"Because of our desire to be the best we can be and to support our community, we are treating the question around the appropriateness of our brand extremely seriously. We are committed to undertaking a thorough process, taking into account all relevant opinions and, most importantly, we are committed to doing the right thing."
The Crusaders make their return to Christchurch for their first home game since the terror attacks on Saturday where they will take on the Brumbies.
A moment's silence will be observed to honour the victims.