New Zealand Rugby have labelled a training session made up of Crusaders players - where they broke coronavirus lockdown rules - as "unacceptable".
The players, including All Blacks outhalf Richie Mo’unga, were filmed training in Christchurch on Monday despite the COVID-19 guidelines enforced by the New Zealand Government.
New Zealand’s nationwide lockdown restricts people from leaving their homes unless it is for essential services like groceries and exercise must be done individually or with people from the same household.
"Some of the Crusaders players have not followed these rules and that is unacceptable," said NZR Chief executive Mark Robinson.
"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."
A Crusaders statement released on Monday downplayed the breach of rules, admitting a mistake was made.
Crusaders Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge said they had reminded the players of their responsibilities.
"All of the players involved have acknowledged they made a mistake by sharing equipment.
"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.
"The club is confident this was not an organised training session among the group.
"While these players made a conscious effort to observe physical distancing, they did share equipment by throwing and kicking a rugby ball among themselves."
On Sunday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her disdain for those who continue to disregard the rules by stating "there are still some I would charitably describe as idiots."
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