Crusaders mourn trainer | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

The Crusaders were mourning the loss of their strength and conditioning trainer Luke Andrew Thornley as they prepared for Saturday's home match against the Cheetahs.

Players and a line-up of Canterbury rugby identities attended Mr Thornley's funeral at the Catholic Cathedral in the morning.

A very likeable character who had many friends throughout New Zealand rugby, the 32-year-old played a significant part in the recent success of Canterbury and the Crusaders.

His career highlights include helping the New Zealand under-20 team to World Cup success in Wales in 2008 - a team which featured young current Crusaders Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Quentin MacDonald, Sam Whitelock, Kade Poki, and Sean Maitland.

Last year he trained the Canterbury team which won the NPC for the second consecutive season. He had been the Crusaders assistant trainer for the past three years. Crusaders trainer Ashley Jones, a close friend, paid credit to Luke's enthusiasm and professionalism.

The speed programme which was developed by Mr Thornley last season and used with the Canterbury team is being used by the Crusaders this season, and the All Blacks are also interested in it. He was the trainer for the Canterbury B side which won the national championship in 2008 and was involved with the team in three previous visits to the final. He had also been Canterbury Academy trainer since 2005 and was involved with re-conditioning the Canterbury-based All Blacks before the 2007 World Cup campaign.

His club links were with Sydenham.

After his death last week, tributes to him poured into the Canterbury union's offices from around New Zealand.