Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has staunchly defended the Crusaders' poor start to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Season, saying he is confident the team will turn their season around.
Speaking with AM's Melissa Chan-Green, Luxon, who was born in Christchurch but moved to Auckland when he was seven, on what is the worst start to a Crusaders season. The side is yet to win a game over their opening four matches.
"Don't worry, they'll come back," said Luxon.
"I think four games into it or whatever we are, second bottom on the ladder, but we've got plenty to play for, lots more to go and the Crusaders they win ugly, or they win nice, but they win so that's what's important."
The Crusaders' next game is against the Blues at Eden Park, which sits just outside of Luxon's Botany electorate.
Despite living in Auckland for most of his life, the Prime Minister was quick to confirm his loyalty still lies with the South Island club.
"I always support the Crusaders and even when I talk to the Blues players, they respect the fact that I have stuck with the team I have supported since I was a little boy," Luxon explained.
"It probably costs me two or three thousand votes out of Botany each election but the bottom line is you've got to stand up for your values at all times and I stand up for the Crusaders."
After the conclusion of the interview, AM's Llyod Burr questioned when the Crusaders were founded, in response to Luxon, 53, saying he had supported the franchise since he was "A little boy".
"When were the Crusaders formed?" Burr asked. "Because he said when he was a little boy and I'm sure the Crusaders weren't... anyway moving on."
The Crusaders were founded in 1996 when Luxon would have been 25 years old.
Join Newshub at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Crusaders v Blues Super Rugby Pacific clash.
