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All Blacks' Aaron Smith makes emotional apology

Aaron Smith Martin Hunter/Getty Images

New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith has made an emotional apology after he was suspended for Saturday's Test against South Africa.

Smith was stood down for the match against the Boks after he was seen entering a Christchurch Airport toilet with a woman last month. Smith has now returned home from South Africa to be with his partner, Teagan.

"I've made a huge mistake, a huge error in judgement," Smith said at the team hotel. "I would firstly like to say a huge sorry to my partner Teagan, her family, my family.

"I'm also sorry to my teammates, NZRU and the New Zealand fans. My behaviour was unacceptable."

Smith came close to breaking down as he added: "If you could respect me and my partner in this situation - I'm just trying to get home to deal with this."