Sonny Bill Williams has arrived in Christchurch to support the Muslim community following last Friday's terror attacks on two Christchurch mosques.
The All Blacks star praised the New Zealand public for the way they have rallied around the Muslim community.
"It's beautiful," Williams told TVNZ of New Zealand's compassion and response to the tragedies when he touched down at Christchurch Airport.
Williams, a devout Muslim, has taken leave from the Blues and will miss Friday night's match against the Highlanders.
"I think we have to be gentle at the start because there are a lot of mixed emotions," Williams told TVNZ.