Crusaders stars caught breaking lockdown rules

All Blacks and Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo'unga was filmed training with a few Crusaders teammates near their team base in Christchurch on Monday.

A witness told Newshub it was obvious the group of Crusaders knew each other as they proceeded to pass and kick the ball between them at a park, showing blatant disregard for New Zealand's Level Four lockdown rules.

"We're all struggling through this lockdown," the witness told Newshub. "And none of us particularly want to be doing it, but we know it's the best thing to do. I was disappointed before I realised who they were."

The Crusaders have confirmed there were three separate bubbles involved, one of which was star first-five Richie Mo'unga. 

The Crusaders have since apologised for the squad members breaking New Zealand's isolation rules.

Under the country's strict controls, households have to stay within their own "bubble" and maintain social distancing from others.

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said he had reprimanded the players involved, who reside in three different bubbles.

"They shouldn't have been at the same location," Mansbridge told Newshub.

"It wasn't planned and they should know better. I have spoken to those involved, and will reinforce that again tonight.

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