All Blacks captain Kieran Read has paid a heartfelt tribute to the people of Christchurch and the victims of Friday's terror attacks.
Having grown up in South Auckland, Read moved south to Christchurch to join Canterbury and the Crusaders, making his provincial debut in 2006, and Super Rugby debut in 2007.
Taking to Instagram, the All Blacks captain wrote openly about his feeling following Friday's attacks, offering his condolences to those affected.
"To say I have had a tough 24 hours of reflection here in Christchurch is an understatement. That this hate filled atrocity has happened in our back yard is beyond words," Read wrote.
"My heart goes out to the victims and their families, our Muslim community and the people of Christchurch.
"Our nation is experiencing a great loss of innocence in the face of all that happened yesterday. Bigotry and intolerance has no place here in Aotearoa.
"This is not who we are. Our strength lies in our diversity and while acts such as this are orchestrated in an attempt to divide us, love and unity will always prevail."
The shooting at two Christchurch mosques has left 50 people dead and another 50 injured, with 34 still in hospital.
A 28-year-old Australian man has been charged with murder following the attacks.
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