Embattled All Black Aaron Smith has fronted up to media at the team hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, to make an emotional statement apologising for his actions in the toilet scandal that hit headlines yesterday.
“I’ve made a huge mistake, a huge error in judgement,” he said.
“I’d firstly like to say a huge sorry to my partner Teagan, her family, my family.
“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,” he continued, his voice breaking.
The 27-year-old was at the centre of an uproar yesterday after news outlets published a report from a witness who saw him entering a disabled toilet at Christchurch Airport with a female.
The incident took place last month, after the All Blacks test against the Springboks. Aaron was reportedly in his team gear at the time.
The All Black star has released a formal apology over the toilet scandal that came to light yesterday. Photo: Getty
The star halfback requested to be sent home from South Africa, where the All Blacks are currently preparing for their final Rugby Championship match against the Springboks. He will be serving a one-match ban.
Aaron’s girlfriend, Teagan Voykovich, had earlier asked for privacy in a statement released by the NZ Rugby Union.
The statement said she was suffering from “some distress” about the efforts to contact her about the incident.
Aaron and his girlfriend, Teagan Voykovich, at the NZ Rugby Awards.
