All Blacks star halfback Aaron Smith suspended for entering toilet cubicle with woman

by Matthew Wood Wednesday 5 October 2016

Aaron Smith will miss this weekend's Test against South Africa after being banned by his New Zealand team-mates

©PA

All Blacks' star halfback Aaron Smith has been suspended and has left the squad in disgrace after seen entering a toilet cubicle with a woman at Christchurch Airport.

Smith has received an one match suspension for breaching the All Blacks' standards of behavior as per coach Steve Hansen.

Hansen said Smith is "bitterly disappointed in his behavior" as the team leaders unanimously decided on the halfback's one-game suspension.

The star player was seen entering a disabled toilet with a female as his public indiscretion was noticed by a woman and her husband.

Hansen added the 27-year-old feels he has let the team, his family and his partner down.

"On the Sunday in Christchurch after the South African test at the Christchurch Airport, Aaron and a female friend were seen by members of the public to enter the disabled toilets. On our arrival to South Africa we were informed of this.

"I had a conversation with Aaron on Tuesday and he confirmed the story.

"As a result of that the leadership group met and were unanimous in the fact that behavior wasn't acceptable and as a consequence a one match suspension would be put in place.

"Clearly Aaron is bitterly disappointed with his behavior and feels he has let the team down but just as importantly feels he is bitterly disappointed in letting his family and partner down.

"At his request he has asked to go home to deal with the personal matters that have come with this incident and we have been only too happy to support him in that."

Smith has earned 54 Test caps for New Zealand since his debut in 2012. The halfback, who is not new to controversies, was previously caught sending a naked picture of himself on Snapchat in 2014.