The Crusaders are set to ditch the sword-wielding knights used in their pre-match entertainment for their first home game of the season since the terrorist attacks in Christchurch.

The Canterbury rugby franchise has come under pressure since the mosque shootings almost a fortnight ago, with calls to change their name, emblem and scrap the knights.

Crusaders chairman, Grant Jarrold, told Mike Hosking, they will have some form of tribute for the match against the Brumbies on April the 6th.

"We are planning on some other form of pre-match entertainment or tribute than the horses for this next game."

However, the franchise is seeking public consultation before it decides whether to make the change permanent, Jarrold said.

"When we have been through that...and put that back to our organisation, our board, and the NZ Rugby Union...then we will be in the position to make a future decision about what we look like and how we are perceived in the future."

He said it is an incredibly sensitive issue and the Crusaders are willing to make changes accordingly.

"It's been a terrible thing that has happened here in our city with this terrorist act. So from our perspective, we need to respect the victims, and their families, and the community and if some of the traditions we have held in the past have been seen to maybe not be appropriate for the future..then we will make some changes in order to show our respect."

He said they are a community-based team and ultimately it's about the fans.

"We don't want to offend anybody. Our organisation, we are actually all about the community anyway. "

"Ultimately [it's about] our fans being able to have their moment to reflect on the tragedy. As for what happens in the future, traditions often have to change with the changing society, and if some things we do aren't deemed appropriate for the future, then we will make those changes in a professional way."

Historically, the crusades were a series of religious and political wars between Christians and Muslims fought in the 11th and 13th centuries.

The Crusaders' team name and imagery, which some say evoke those wars, has sparked controversy with many calling it offensive and insensitive, especially after the targeted killings in Christchurch.