In this series we look at teams and communities, and why some fans are rock solid over prolonged periods.

A sea of blue jerseys defiantly painted in blue visited Christchurch’s stadium on May 25th, as thousands of passionate fans roared their support for the visiting Blues, in a thrilling Kiwi derby against the reigning champion Crusaders. While the nail-biter scoreline of 29-27 may have favored the home team, the Blues’ fanbase’s unwavering loyalty was the night’s true spectacle.

More Than Just a Game: A Legacy of Loyalty Through Generations.

This wasn’t just another rugby match; it was a chapter in a storied rivalry between two titans of New Zealand rugby. The Crusaders, with their dynasty of championships, faced the resurgent Blues, a team that had clawed its way back from a long drought with a previous club-record 15-win streak.

The Blues’ performance, marked by newfound momentum and attacking flair, showcased their resurgence and determination to challenge the established order. Even in defeat, their fans’ spirit shone out.

Why do communities rally around losing teams: A Deeper Connection

The loyalty of Blues fans transcends the scoreboard. It’s a testament to the enduring power of shared history, hope, and emotional investment:

• A Shared History: The Blues’ early dominance in Super Rugby created a deep-rooted connection with their fans. The memories of past glories fuel their unwavering belief in the team’s potential for future triumphs.
• Hope: The Blues’ recent resurgence has reignited hope and optimism among their supporters. The team’s exciting style of play and impressive winning streak have fueled the belief that greatness is just around the corner.
• Emotional Investment: Blues fans have invested with their hearts and wallets into their team’s journey, sharing in the triumphs and setbacks with family and the community. This emotional connection transcends wins and losses, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty.

But how does it become an unbreakable Bond for some:

Even in defeat, the sea of blue jerseys in the stands was a powerful symbol of this unbreakable bond. It was a reminder that sports are more than just wins and losses; they are about the shared experiences, the highs and lows, and the collective hopes, big hits, overpriced food, stories, posts, videos, and dreams that unite a team and its fans.

Blue’s fans are a testament to the enduring power of Auckland rugby and the team’s community spirit, loyalty, and a ray of hope in the face of adversity. It’s the challenge, a key place where competitiveness, local knowledge of the game, and specific player skills, knowledge, and family legacy come into play. A sweet spot of know-how, skill sets, a frustrating rule base, and pure passion for the win.

The journey, social media connection,  player injuries, sublime skills, family connections, and pre-game strategy and banter are just as important as the game time. They continue to engage and cheer on their team, no matter the outcome, because they become part of the power of resilience, the thrill of the chase starts to feel real, and the community engagement and player stories that emerge all combined can in some cases become calculated feelings and a challenge to a fans personal image.

More on this deep-seated engagement as this series looks at why people and communities support losing teams.