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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Philip Dewey

Humble Canada player sent off for dangerous challenge walks into South Africa dressing room to say sorry

This is the moment a Canadian rugby player visited the South Africa changing room after their World Cup match to apologise for committing a red card offence.

Second row Josh Larsen was shown a straight red after a high and dangerous clearout of prop Thomas du Toit at a ruck before the first half of their 66-7 defeat to the Springboks in the Pool B match.

After the match, Larsen took the time to go into his opponents' dressing room to make a personal apology for the transgression, an act that the Springboks said embodies the spirit of rugby.

In a video posted to the Springbok's official Twitter account, Larsen is seen addressing the room.

He said: "I just want to come in and apologise for my red card tonight, I'm pretty gutted about it, but I just wanted to come in and apologise to you guys face to face and wish you all the best for the rest of the tournament."

A red card is issued to Canada's Josh Larsen (left) by referee Luke Pearce (second right) (PA)

Larsen's apology was met with a round of applause and singing by the South Africa squad and du Toit came up to shake his hand.

Responding to the classy act, the Springboks posted to Twitter: "This is what rugby is all about. Thanks Josh and well done to Rugby Canada on your Rugby World Cup campaign, and thank your for a great game of rugby!"

Larsen's red card was the sixth of the tournament so far following the introduction of new guidance for referees when it comes to dealing with high tackles.

There has already been a record number of red cards in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and the tournament has yet to reach the knock out stages.

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