Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate said Chiefs fans are “disappointed” at the news cowbells would be banned at the Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and Chiefs this Saturday, but it wouldn’t stop them making a din.
Yesterday, it was announced cowbells would be banned from the final. Cowbells are synonymous with Waikato rugby, which fans of the region have long used to show support.
“The Chiefs cowbell is in their DNA, and we’ve been shaking this thing forever,” said Southgate.
“I can understand if the Crusaders are a bit rattled, but not having our cowbells will not stop Chiefs fans from bringing the volume, and the Chiefs bringing the victory home.”
Southgate said she was supportive of digital cowbells, and suggested next time “we’ll host it” so cowbells could be used loud and proud.
Southgate said she wouldn’t be at the match but would be in front of a large TV watching – and probably not with a cowbell in hand.
In Christchurch, one resident and Crusaders supporter told 1News the ban was “a bit ridiculous really”.
“We’re going to drown them out anyway, it’s not necessary,” he said.
Another person in Christchurch, who was from Tauranga, said the cowbell is part of the atmosphere.
“It’s culture. Keep the bell,” he said.
Another Christchurch resident said she “felt sorry” for the Chiefs supporters, but said the cowbells may be a bit loud.
“But it is rowdy. I think they can shout and yell and sing as much as they like, but [the cowbells] are a bit hard on the ears,” she said.
Today, Crusaders chief executive officer Colin Mansbridge said the small seats combined with an enthusiastic crowd meant the ban had to take place, despite initial talk of the ban starting off as “a joke”.
“We think it’s probably safest not to have them here.”
When told about his counterpart, Chiefs chief executive officer Simon Graafhuis, calling the ban cowbell gate, Mansbridge jokingly replied that he was being a stirrer.
He said the ban is “a lot of fun and banter” but isn’t a distraction for any players or coaches on either side.
“The key thing is, we do want everybody to have fun, and everybody from that part of the motu is welcome … it’s going to be an awesome game of footy, there’s no doubt about that.”
