All Blacks flyhalf Richie Mo’unga was among a group of Crusaders players who broke New Zealand’s lockdown to train at the team’s base in Christchurch.
Mo’unga was filmed training with some of his teammates on Monday morning, breaking the country’s level-four lockdown laws. During lockdown in New Zealand, only solitary training is allowed while interacting with people outside of one’s self-isolation bubble is not allowed.
An eyewitness told Newshub that the Crusaders players kicked and passed a ball between each other at a park.
‘We’re all struggling through this lockdown,’ the eyewitness said. ‘And none of us particularly want to be doing it, but we know it’s the best thing to do. I was disappointed before I realised who they were.
‘They were looked at by everyone in the park, getting the side eye.’
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The Crusaders confirmed to the publication that Mo’unga was one of the players involved. Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge confirmed that the players have been reprimanded and reminded of their responsiblities during the lockdown.
‘They shouldn’t have been at the same location,’ Mansbridge told Newshub. ‘It wasn’t planned and they should know better.
‘I have spoken to those involved, and will reinforce that again tonight.’
The 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season is currently suspended indefinitely. Discussions to resume the competition domestically in New Zealand have been put on hold.
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Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
