Blues hooker James Parsons has denied a Sanzaar statement that reported he had received an apology from Owen Franks after an incident on the weekend that led to the Crusaders prop's two-week ban.
Facing a four week suspension, Owens pleaded guilty to striking Parsons in the head during the Blues 24-32 loss to the Crusaders at a Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee hearing. But his ban was halved due to his "good [disciplinary] record" and because he "expressed remorse and apology to the other player", a Sanzaar statement said. However, Parsons said he was never offered an apology.
Speaking on Radio Sport in New Zealand, Parsons he's had no contact with the All Blacks prop since the game.
"I haven't spoken to him since the incident. Obviously, we shook hands as teams do after the game but I didn't speak to him," Parsons told Radio Sport. "I haven't received an apology - unless he's gone via email form or letter form to Blues management."
Parsons was forced from the field through concussion during the clash, while Franks escaped punishment.
Owens' suspension will be served in time for the All Blacks' opening Test against France at Eden Park on June 9.
The Blues captain said the subsequent punishment following the match meant nothing to him as it wouldn't change the result.
"Two weeks, four weeks, whatever it is it doesn't change the result for us. I would have liked to have seen something done on the night."
Fellow Crusaders and All Blacks prop Joe Moody was also suspended for two weeks for striking Waratahs centre Kurtley Beale during the Crusaders 31-29 win over the Waratahs a week prior.