New Zealand
Fans injured by haka fireworks
ESPN Staff
August 24, 2014
Fireworks signal the end of the haka © Getty Images
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The New Zealand Rugby Union has apologised to three fans who were hurt by fireworks during the build-up to Saturday's Bledisloe Cup game at Eden Park.

One woman had to go to hospital after she was hit by debris from the fireworks which marked the end of the haka while another man suffered a gash to the head and was treated pitchside by paramedics. The NZRU and Eden Park are now looking into the incident and Steve Tew, NZRU CEO, apologised to those who were injured.

"Something has clearly gone wrong and we are urgently conducting a review of what happened," Tew said. "I can only apologise profusely to those who were injured. I have been in contact with two of the people treated and I am hoping to contact the third today, to personally offer an apology."

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was asked about whether he was worried the fireworks display could have done some damage to his players, and he said: "I am now, knowing that it is a possibility, yeah.

"I don't want to make a big thing about it because I don't know enough to be talking about it but I am sure from now on all the precautions, there would have been anyway, but now they will be doubly cautious and they may not do it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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