All Blacks and Hurriances first-five Beauden Barrett revealed the emotional toll of Friday's Christchurch terror attacks, having taken the field just hours after learning of the horrific shootings that left 50 dead.
Barrett and the Hurricanes played out a 23-all stalemate with the Chiefs at FMG Stadium, however both sides were clearly affected by the news of the Christchurch attacks, uniting to observe a minute's silence before kick off.
Speaking to media today though, Barrett revealed just how much of an impact Friday's events had on both himself and the Hurricanes.
"It's pretty tough to have to play a game after that," Barrett said.
"Our thoughts are still with those families, people affected. I think everyone in New Zealand's affected, it's just so obvious, such a tragedy.
"The boys are still shocked and devastated by what happened."
Barrett also praised the coming together in support for Christchurch and the Muslim community, proud to see the unity displayed by New Zealand after the attacks.
"Be vulnerable I think, that's the key message. Be vulnerable to speak out and talk to each other, no matter what background or where you're from. A lot can be learned from this, but it's such a shame that something like this has to happen before we open up."
While the Hurricanes may have been affected, the Wellington side will return to the field this week, taking on the Stormers at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, with Barrett saying his side have a job to do.
"It's important [that] as athletes we learn to be able switch on and off. To be able to do the job at hand.
"I'd be lying if I said that I didn't think about it on Friday night, something so tragic.
"I questioned whether we'd even be taking the field, but we've got to push on with life.
"We have the power as athletes, as sportspeople in New Zealand to continue to entertain and make people happy by doing what we do best, and play a positive game of footy hopefully on Saturday night."
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