Chiefs and Hurricanes share poignant moment after New Zealand tragedy
The Chiefs and Hurricanes united in a pre-match huddle on Friday evening and the Brumbies will hold a minute's silence in Canberra after a tragic day in New Zealand.
Forty people were killed and 20 left injured in shootings at two Christchurch mosques earlier in the day in an horrific day for the country.
As the news spread across the country, people around the world offered tributes and condolences for victims and their families.
The Kiwi rugby teams joined together for a moment of unity before kick-off in Hamilton, to acknowledge the tragedy and its victims.
Social media has been flooded with tributes for the victims and their families,with Sonny Bill Williams sharing a video on Twitter earlier on Friday.
My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 15, 2019
Christchurch, we stand with you during this time. Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected by today's tragedy. Stay strong. Kia Kaha. 🖤
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 15, 2019
Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of our great friends at @AllBlacks, @NZRugby and throughout New Zealand today. pic.twitter.com/YVZ60Zp5j2
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) March 15, 2019
Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected by the tragedy in New Zealand today.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 15, 2019
So so so sad.. thoughts & prayers with everyone affected by this heartless act in Christchurch 😢 ❤️
— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) March 15, 2019
Prayers of peace and strength to our friends in New Zealand on this terribly sad day in Christchurch.
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) March 15, 2019
We stand with you ❤️🙏🏽🏉 pic.twitter.com/olb8NTIBXQ
Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events in Christchurch. Our thoughts are with everyone in the city & NZ rugby community at this very difficult time
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) March 15, 2019
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the attack, speaking at a press conference on Friday evening.
"Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence," she said.
"Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home."
"They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand. There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was.
"For now, my thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families."
The Brumbies are also set to observe a minute's silence ahead of Friday night's game against the Waratahs, in solidarity with their Kiwi counterparts.
