The Crusaders rugby team will seek feedback about their name and brand, in light of the Christchurch terror attack. 

The Canterbury team have been considering moving away from the association with the Crusades, which was a religious war started by the Latin Church against Muslims.

New Zealand Rugby boss, Steve Tew, told Mike Hosking the team will remain the Crusaders for the rest of this season - but any changes are likely to come before 2020.

He said re-evaluating the name and branding is the right call, given the unique situation.

"I think what we have decided to do in conjunction with the Crusaders is the right thing. We have softened the imagery for the time being."

"Clearly what happened on March 15 was unique in this country and has changed our world forever, so that's an immediate response and now we are taking time [and] will use some independent research companies to give us some feedback from a broad group of people in the community and see what they think."

When asked whether other sports teams such as the Highlanders, Chiefs, or Hurricanes would need to change their name as well, Tew said that's a question for further down the track. 

"A number of names have come under some scrutiny, I think at the moment though, the events that happened in Christchurch are quite unique so we will focus on that."

He said the team are extremely important for the city of Christchurch and for New Zealand as a whole. 

"They have been a rallying point for a part of New Zealand that has dealt with more tragedy and adversity than anywhere else has."