The Crusaders have spoken to a group of players that were filmed together at a Christchurch park.
Colin Mansbridge Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The gathering, which included All Black first five Richie Mo'unga, is against the rules set out by the New Zealand government in relation to coronavirus lockdown.
In a statement the Crusaders said:
The Crusaders are aware of some of our players training at Malvern Park in Christchurch today (Monday).
Management have spoken with the players involved, all of whom live within walking distance of Malvern Park.
The club is confident this was not an organised training session among the group, but rather one group of flatmates training in their 'bubble' who were coincidentally joined by a second group.
Meanwhile, one player completed running blocks individually. While these players made a conscious effort to observe physical distancing, they did share equipment by throwing and kicking a rugby ball among themselves.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said: "In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a time when our community needs to work together and look after one another, and our players are social leaders in that regard.
"The guidelines from the New Zealand Government are clear, and all of the players involved have acknowledged they made a mistake by sharing equipment. I am confident, I know there wasn't a conscious effort to flout the rules, but this is a timely and valuable lesson for all. We have reiterated the guidelines to both the group directly involved, and our wider Crusaders squad to ensure this doesn't happen again."
