Ruben Love apologises after referee catches Hurricanes playmaker swearing during Kids Round

All Blacks first-five Ruben Love has apologised on social media after being caught swearing at a Highlanders player on the referee’s microphone during the Hurricanes’ 45-28 Super Rugby Pacific victory in Wellington on Saturday — a match designated as the competition’s Kids Round.

The incident occurred in the 57th minute after Love chipped the ball just inside his own half and was struck on the head by Highlanders halfback Adam Lennox, who jumped in an attempt to charge it down. Australian referee Angus Gardner awarded the Hurricanes a penalty for the contact, but Love then directed an expletive at a Highlanders player following the decision. Gardner immediately pulled Love aside to remind him of the occasion.

“Morena whanau, I apologise to everyone that became aware of a moment on the ref’s mic last night,” Love wrote on social media. “Always play the game to compete and live on the edge but in the heat of the moment I should’ve been better. Want to set a better example for the kids and I let that down, those in my circle know that’s not who I am or how I play.”

Despite the flashpoint, Love had an otherwise impressive evening. The 25-year-old scored a notable try in the first half, beating multiple defenders with footwork that caught the eye of Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw.

“It’s good footwork, isn’t it? He shapes people up well, and when they drift early — that’s the beauty of him being the first receiver and a first-five, he’s got the footwork of an outside back when he gets a little bit of space,” Laidlaw said post-match. “He’s seen that guy turn his shoulders quite early and he was good enough to take it, so yeah, good string to his bow.”

Love has been a consistent presence for the Hurricanes this Super Rugby Pacific season, averaging 4.5 carries per game and 42.1 metres with ball in hand, while breaking the defensive line once every two matches. Saturday’s game was played against a Highlanders side coached by Jamie Joseph, with the Wellington-based franchise running out comfortable winners by 17 points.

The incident adds a footnote to what has otherwise been a strong personal campaign for Love, who recently made his 50th appearance for the Hurricanes across six seasons at the franchise and earned five Test caps for the All Blacks under former head coach Scott Robertson.