Share

NZ Rugby criticises Crusaders players for lockdown breach

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on Tuesday condemned several Crusaders players who were caught flouting strict lockdown rules by training together at a Christchurch park.

Register your interest for the British & Irish Lions tickets in South Africa 2021

Five players from the Super Rugby champions, including All Black flyhalf Richie Mo'unga, were photographed passing a ball and going through training drills together on Monday.

The Crusaders admitted the players were from several households - which are supposed to remain separate under New Zealand's lockdown rules.

"Some of the Crusaders' players have not followed these rules and that is unacceptable," NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.

"We have reminded everyone involved in rugby that they must abide by the New Zealand government Covid-19 guidelines and this situation must not happen again."

However, it appears the players will not face further punishment, with Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge saying their actions were not deliberate.

He said players from separate households who lived close to the park happened to turn up at the park around the same time and began passing a ball around.

"It was clumsy and not wilful... we're not happy, they're not happy and they are contrite," he told Radio New Zealand.

"We are sorry, it was something we did not envisage."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had some choice words this week for the minority of people who were not following rules during the South Pacific nation's four-week lockdown.

"While compliance has been generally strong, there are still some who I would charitably describe as idiots," she told reporters on Monday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1135 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1309 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2005 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE