Aussies study Crusaders' success

The Crusaders Super 12 franchise has been dissected in an Australian study to be used to teach senior sport executives about the secrets of a winning culture.

The study, by Australian researcher Sonia Francis, will be unveiled by Sydney-based Sport Knowledge Australia (SKA) at an inaugural six-day course starting on October 16.

Among keys to on-field results, it points to leadership throughout the Crusaders organisation, a culture that puts the team above the individual, a strong work ethic and a board that takes risks.

SKA commissioned the study for its sport management course and describes the Crusaders as "arguably the most successful sport franchise in Australia and New Zealand in the last decade".

The side have won the Super 12 title five times and been runners-up twice.

- NZPA