Digital workaround after Chiefs cowbells banned in 2025 Super Rugby final

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Chiefs fan Philip Penny with his cow bells at home in Hamilton.

Chiefs fans who “truly can’t go without the clang of a cowbell” will have a digital option in the face of a ban at the Super Rugby Pacific final.

The iconic supporter items have been banned from Christchurch Stadium on Saturday, with the Crusaders boss saying there’s no room to swing the “bloody big” things.

Fans trying to sneak them in will be told to put them back in their cars or leave it with security until after the game, a Crusaders spokesperson told the Waikato Times.

Cowbells contribute to the vibrancy of the crowd at Chiefs games, chief executive Simon Graafhuis says (file photo).

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge wrote on LinkedIn that there’s “no room to swing a bloody big cowbell and take out the person next to you”. He later said he’s received threats about the ban.

The cowbells have long been a symbol for supporters of Waikato rugby and the Chiefs, so chief executive Simon Graafhuis said they’ve created a virtual cowbell to blast out from a phone - “for those fans who truly can’t go without the clang of a cowbell”.

New Zealand crowds are not known to be terribly vibrant compared to the rest of the world, he said.

“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.”

However, fans will bring the noise with or without the notorious “musical instruments”, he said.

“We have the best fans in the world and wherever they go, Chiefs passion follows. Cowbells or not, having our Chiefs whānau in the stands means everything to the team,” he said.

Chiefs fan Philip Penny thinks the cowbell ban is a “little bit of an overreaction” but not that big a deal.

“I don’t think it would make that much difference, for the number of people going down there that would actually have a cowbell,” he said.

Chiefs fan Philip Penny said he took his cow bells to last year’s final.

Penny said he’s gone to NPC games in Christchurch where they were allowed cowbells into the stadium, as well as last year’s final at Eden Park against the Blues.

“If you’ve got them and you’re allowed them, that’s fine but if not, just enjoy the game.”

Those heading down to Christchurch can show their support in other ways, from wearing their Chiefs colours and bringing flags.

It’s not the first time the cowbell has been banned from stadiums before important Super Rugby and provincial clashes.

In 2015, Chiefs fans were banned from bringing in the cowbells to the cake tin at Wellington, with one fan having their cowbell confiscated.

Mansbridge was quick to reassure visiting fans they’re still “hugely welcome” at the Crusaders’ place.

“This is going to be a game for the ages. It’s going to be a game for fans to enjoy.”

But leave the cowbells at home, otherwise venue staff have been asked to “melt them down at the gate”, he joked.

Penny is not heading to the final, but flying to Brisbane to see his grandkids. The cowbells aren’t going with him - to avoid hassle in Customs and the extra weight in the bag.