'Melt them down at the gate': The controversial Kiwi 'instrument' banned from Super Rugby Pacific final

Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge has threatened to melt down any cowbells that Chiefs fans were planning to rattle at the Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch.

Mansbridge said none would be permitted into Apollo Projects Stadium on Saturday night.

Beloved by their fans, the loud sound of clattering cowbells have long been a traditional feature at home matches for the Chiefs and Waikato in Hamilton.

Watch all the action from the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match live and on demand

However, the Crusaders chief executive doesn't want them to be heard when they host the decider.

Chiefs boss Simon Graafhuis said banning cowbells was "disappointing", but they have created a virtual alternative fans can use to replicate its clanging noise.

Mansbridge shared a long post on LinkedIn on Tuesday outlining an unfavourable stance on cowbells.

LIVE UPDATES: State of Origin Game II

READ MORE: 'He went too far': Slater accused of 'unnecessary' reference

READ MORE: AFL icon cops massive ban over grand final allegations

"How have we got to this?" he said.

"Some people are interested and delighting in whether or not cowbells are welcome at Apollo Projects Stadium. Really?"

Cowbells have been classified as a "musical instrument", which are banned by Venues Otautahi.

NEW PODCAST! The BTP crew reflect on another Brumbies semi-final exit as superstars Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan set up another all-New Zealand decider

Saturday's final will be the last at Apollo Projects Stadium before the Crusaders move into their new Te Kaha home next year.

The red and blacks won seven consecutive titles in Scott Robertson's dynasty at their temporary stadium, which can hold about 17,000 fans.

"For 14 years it has hosted Crusaders rugby and has had some wonderful sporting and cultural events. She's a wee beauty and I will be sad that there won't be another final played there," Mansbridge added.

View gallery

Team of the Season: Burke calls for Wallabies change

"There's also the fact that it's tight. It's not FMG Stadium or Eden Park, New Zealand. It's tight. It's compact and there's just enough room to wave a really thin flag. There ain't no room to swing a bloody big cowbell and take out the person sitting in the seat beside you.

"This is going to be a game for the ages. It's going to be a game for fans to enjoy. All Chiefs Rugby Club fans are hugely welcome to come and enjoy the venue.

"No cowbells. I'll be asking Venues Ōtautahi to melt them down at the gate. So, seriously, leave them at home!"

Chiefs chief executive Graafhuis said their cowbells were iconic.

"No matter where Chiefs fans go, they bring the noise – with or without the notorious 'musical instruments'," Graafhuis said in a statement.

"We have the best fans in the world and wherever they go, Chiefs' passion follows. Cowbells or not, having our Chiefs whanau in the stands means everything to the team. That's what matters on the night.

"New Zealand crowds are not known to be terribly vibrant compared to the rest of the world, so we are happy to be the exception and have a fanbase that creates great vibes and excitement. I'm certain cowbells contribute to that."

Meanwhile, James O'Connor has confirmed he will depart the Crusaders after the final.

The Wallabies veteran has been linked with a move to the Leicester Tigers.

"It's been an awesome journey. It was only ever really planned for that one season. At one moment there was chat of maybe sticking around for another year because I was loving it so much and we were clicking," O'Connor said.

"But, to be honest, you've got two young men who are incredible players and they are ready. Look what Taha (Kemara) and Rivez (Reihana) have both done in that No.10 jersey, they've got some awesome battles to come up the next couple of years.

"And James White, as well. So it's time for the old fella to move on."