The Crusaders have been forced to cut jobs among their staff in order to reduce expenses and survive the Covid-19 period.

It’s understood staff from several areas of the business, some aligned with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union, have been told they will be let go. There has been no suggestion that any of the Crusaders coaches will be cut.

In a statement, Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said making staff redundant was an incredibly difficult decision.

‘We will not be commenting further as good people have been affected and their individual employment matters are private,’ Mansbridge said.

‘We would, however, like to acknowledge the immense contribution to our club from these individuals. This has been an incredibly painful and difficult process for those involved and we hope you will respect their privacy.’

The 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season has been suspended since March and there is no indication of when or if the season will resume and what the format will look like when it does.

There have been discussions over a domestic finish to the season – with the Jaguares playing in South Africa and the Sunwolves in Australia – but those talks have been put on hold as nations’ lockdowns have been extended.

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