New Zealand Super Rugby franchise the Crusaders has agreed a partnership with locally-based Eastgate Shopping Centre for the 2014 season.
Under the terms of the deal, Eastgate becomes the official mall of the Christchurch rugby union team ahead of its first game of the season against the Chiefs on February 21.
The following day marks the third anniversary of Christchurch’s most devastating earthquake.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said: “We recognise the importance of Eastgate’s position as an important community hub in east Christchurch and we are excited to be partnering with them. This area of Christchurch is one we are particularly keen to support and connect with, given the toll that the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 took and the complexity of people’s lives in this area as a result.”
The Crusaders advanced to the semi-finals of the 2013 Super Rugby campaign before losing 20-19 to the Chiefs, who went on to defeat the Brumbies in the final.