A tearful All Black Aaron Smith has apologised for his behaviour with a woman in a Christchurch Airport toilet.
All Black Aaron Smith playing against South Africa in Christchurch, 17 September Photo: Photosport
Earlier today the team's coach, Steve Hansen, said Smith was seen entering a toilet cubicle with a female friend at Christchurch Airport the day after the test against the Springboks last month.
Hansen said Smith had been suspended for one test for breaking the team's behaviour protocol.
Speaking to the media from the All Blacks' hotel in Durban, Smith said he had made a huge mistake and it was an error in judgement.
He also apologised to his partner, Teagan Voykovich, both his and her families, his team-mates and New Zealand fans.
He said his behaviour was unacceptable and he is trying to get home to deal with the situation.
Earlier, Ms Voykovich asked for privacy in a statement released by New Zealand Rugby.
She says she is suffering from "some distress" by attempts from the media to contact her about the incident.