All Black Smith apologises for “huge mistake”

All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has made an emotional apology for what he has called “a huge mistake” which has seen him being suspended for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match.

Smith was seen entering a disabled toilet with an unknown woman Christchurch airport a short while after the All Blacks had beaten South Africa in Christchurch last month.

The All Blacks scrumhalf made a brief emotional statement to the media at the team’s hotel ahead of his return to New Zealand for a misdonduct hearing and to deal with his partner.

“I’ve made a huge mistake, a huge error in judgment. I’d firstly like to say a huge sorry to my partner Teagan, her family, my family,”  Smith told Radio Sport.

“I’m also sorry to my team-mates, NZRU and the New Zealand fans.

“My behaviour was unacceptable and if you could respect me and my partner in this situation. ”

“I’m just trying to get home to deal with this. Thank you.”