Christchurch gave Pete Samu a chance to launch his rugby career and showed him how to win. But most importantly, Samu says his second home taught him resilience.
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The former Canterbury Crusaders back-rower played with a heavy heart when the ACT Brumbies beat the NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
The world was rocked by a terrorism attack in New Zealand after gunmen killed 49 people. The Brumbies and Waratahs paused to reflect before their game. The Crusaders' clash against the Otago Highlanders on Saturday was cancelled.
The news hit home for Samu, who has family in Christchurch and spent four years in New Zealand, two of those with the Crusaders, to kick-start his rugby dreams.
"My hearts go out to the people of Christchurch. For it to happen in a city like that or anywhere for that matter, it's just sad to see," Samu said.
"It's nothing that the people of Christchurch can't handle. They've had earthquakes and whatnot, I know they'll pull through but it's very saddening.
"I've got family still there, they're all good, and very close mates who are safe. I was texting with them before the game and they're all good, so that took a bit of weight off my shoulders and took my focus onto the game.
"It's sad. That was pretty much my second home, [I] made a lot of great friends there and just to see that happen to a city that's still rebuilding from disasters and for that to happen."
New Zealand Rugby met with Crusaders and Highlanders players on Saturday before deciding to cancel the match as a mark of respect to the people of Christchurch.
The Wellington Hurricanes and Waikato Chiefs joined together for a pre-game moment of silence before their game on Friday night as New Zealand comes to grips with the devastation.
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said: "Yesterday's horrific attacks have left us all feeling stunned. All other issues and considerations pale in significance. We will now regroup and make arrangements for the team to return home as soon as possible to be back in their community and with their families."
The Crusaders and Brumbies share a rich history of on-field rivalries, playing against each other in four grand finals between 2000-04.
There are also family links between the clubs. Michael Alaalatoa, the brother of Brumby Allan, has been at the Crusaders for the past three years, helping them win back to back championships.
The Waratahs will be the next team to play the Crusaders when they host them in Sydney next weekend. Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson played 77 games for the Crusaders and went to Christchurch Boys High.
"It's just an incredibly sad situation. An absolute tragedy and I think the whole world is stopping and pausing for a moment," Gibson said.
'The Brumbies will be the next team to play in Christchurch when the ACT side travels across the Tasman for a game on April 4.
"I'm confident the people of Christchurch will get through this and they know that we're all thinking about them over here at the Brumbies and I'm sure the world as well," Samu said.
