Smith's partner requests privacy

Voykovich has asked media to respect her privacy and to leave her and her family alone, as they deal with a very private matter.

She requested some privacy from the media and said their persistent attempts to contact her are causing some distress.

After being slapped with a one-match ban the scrumhalf made his way back to New Zealand to see his partner and deal with the fallout.

On his arrival back home the 27-year-old expressed his remorse not only to his partner but to the whole New Zealand rugby community as well.

He admits: "It was a huge error in judgement.

"I'd first like to say a huge sorry to my partner Tegan [Voykovich] , her family, and my family.

"I am also sorry to my teammates, NZRU and the New Zealand fans,"

Smith also echoed his partner statement: "My behaviour was unacceptable and if you could respect me and my partner in this situation. I'm just trying to get home to deal with this. Thank you,"

Meanwhile, All Black veteran Jerome Kaino has endorsed the one-match suspension given to Smith.

He said the All Black leadership group had no choice but to take a stand.

"As leaders, we lead the squad and we've got a responsibility to show the way – not just playing rugby but by being good people," he said. "That goes without saying, that we've got to show the way for these younger guys,"