Sportspeople's messages for Christchurch

Some of Canterbury's most well known sports stars have added their thoughts on the earthquake that rocked the city. Photo / Getty Images/APN

Sport is a big part of Christchurch and the Canterbury region, from its seven Super Rugby titles, to the numerous world beaters the area has produced.

Some of the region's, and the nation's, biggest sporting names have sent messages of support and commented on a city that is still reeling after last Tuesday's devastating earthquake:

"Watching the events unfold a world away in Christchurch leaves me feeling numb. The harrowing pictures I see resonate because I know every bend in the road, every intersection and every building. I cannot fathom what you are all going through. Christchurch has been brutally singled out - but I know the spirit of Canterbury will not yield and you will all fight to make it through. Thinking of you all." - Chris Cairns

"It's obviously pretty devastating for the people, and myself who was born and bred here and won't be moving out of here, that the city is in the state it is.

"We will rebuild it and get it back to where it should be." - Nathan Astle

"I already see it, that if people are positive we'll get this city back up and running before long.

"I know there's been loss of life, but bricks and mortar can be fixed and it won't take long to get things up and running. It may even be better than before.

"It's going to take a long time but that attitude will become infectious." - Richie McCaw

"I grew up in Christchurch. I played in the parks, I ran around all the monuments. To see all your memories destroyed is surreal.

"We're a country that doesn't experience this. We don't have wars, we don't have any conflicts.

"Once the dust settles, we'll figure out a plan of what I can do to help, but the damage is so ridiculously high that the city will need a lot of help.- Ryan Nelsen

"It's tough, you know we had the Pike River mining disaster as well, it's been crazy.

"We went back to Queensland, which as you know is a place I call home, and then we get hammered back here again.

"It's very hard to see my community struggling."- Brad Thorn

"It really puts things in perspective. The thing that we do [rugby] is just a game and there's more to life. This is something I'll never forget."- Sonny Bill Williams

"It's so sad reading the news back home in Christchurch. Some so lucky. Some not. Thinking of everyone back home. Stay strong people."- Hayden Roulston

- HERALD ONLINE