OPINION: There's something not quite right with this picture…
At a time when his recent conduct is under serious review, first-five Richie Mo'unga has been selected by his peers as 'Champion Crusader of the Year' for his contribution to the team environment.
He's also won the 'People's Choice' award, voted on by fans.
Don't these awards suggest at least tacit approval of Mo'unga's behaviour in a Cape Town bar less than a month ago, when he allegedly groped and spat beer at a woman?
In a social media apology to the woman, he admitted he was too drunk to remember the incident, conceding he should have left the establishment "long before that stage" and assuring her he didn't condone that type of carry-on.
It was virtually a confession.
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NZ Rugby independent complaints manager Steph Dyhrberg is currently investigating the events of that night and another later that same week, when winger George Bridge allegedly cast homophobic slurs during a late-night McDonald's run.
"The allegations, if proven correct, are a concern," insisted Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge, while launching the review.
Mo'unga is undoubtedly a very good player. He may be a great guy and a solid team man, who has made a one-off mistake.
He may even be cleared of wrong-doing in South Africa, but the timing of these accolades is highly questionable.
At the very least, the adulation suggests a lack of self-awareness among management, players and supporters. It smacks of a 'boys will be boys' attitude that just doesn't wash in modern society.
Which is confounding, when you consider the Crusaders have long been admired as New Zealand's best professional sporting outfit.
On the field, their nine Super Rugby titles are more than any other franchise and they've dominated successful All Blacks teams, behind leaders like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock.
They've developed a talent base that is the envy of every other team in the competition. Not even a minefield of All Blacks rest protocols has undermined the Crusaders' march towards a third straight crown this season, such is their depth at almost every position.
Off the field, they have been a pillar of strength in a community tormented by natural disaster and terrorism, so it's little wonder the people of Christchurch remain so loyal to their team.
Perhaps their greatest campaign came after the 2011 earthquake wreaked the city and the Crusaders were forced to play 'home' games all over the world, eventually falling to the Reds in the final.
But that culture has been tested - and perhaps exposed - by recent events.
Like the way Crusaders Rookie of the Year Sevu Reece was virtually smuggled into town through the side door, after assaulting his girlfriend less than 12 months ago in Hamilton.
He was discharged without conviction, because the judge wasn't willing to jeopardise his professional rugby career - surely the classic example of preferential treatment for stars of our national game.
Reece subsequently lost his contract to play for Irish club Connacht and the Chiefs didn't want him for their Super Rugby roster, even though he was top tryscorer in last year's provincial competition, playing for Waikato.
The Crusaders didn't name him in their initial squad either, but quietly included him in their extended training group and quickly promoted him onto the frontline as an injury replacement.
He may well become one of those rehabilitation success stories that sporting outfits love to boast about - but it's still too soon to be worshipping him as a hero.
We're also awaiting the results of another NZR review into the Crusaders brand itself. Many now deem the name insulting and inappropriate, after an attack on Muslims at local mosques in March resulted in 51 deaths.
The pre-match ritual of mounted knights brandishing swords was quickly abandoned and the Crusaders moniker should soon follow. The name represents Anglo Saxon values that no longer apply to a city coming to grips with its increasingly multi-cultural demographic.
Yet, it's galling to watch the organisation - fronted by players and coaches - continue to cling blindly to the brand, even as it has been strongly questioned.
All things considered, perhaps Mo'unga is actually the right choice as final recipient of a 'Champion Crusader' award that must now be retired.
Grant Chapman is Newshub's online sports editor.
