Six Nations: Hadleigh Parkes, Sean Maitland dedicate Six Nations results to Christchurch

Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes and Scotland fullback Sean Maitland have dedicated their latest Six Nations performances to the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks.

Both players were born and started their careers in New Zealand, but have since found themselves playing rugby in the northern hemisphere.

Parkes scored Wales' only try in the Grand Slam-clinching 25-7 win over Ireland, while Maitland helped Scotland fight back from 31-0 down to draw with England 38-all and retain the Calcutta Cup - the first time the Scots have held the trophy in back-to-back years since 1983-84.

News of the Christchurch attacks broke in the early hours of Friday morning in the UK and both players awoke, completely stunned at what they were reading.

Fifty people lost their lives, after shooters opened fire on two mosques at Deans Ave and Linwood Ave.

"It's terrible," said Parkes. "You kind of think New Zealand is like a safe haven.

"For the people of Christchurch, for the Muslim community, it's shocking. It is heartbreaking to hear about that kind of thing.

"I am really thankful for the minute's silence."

A moment's silence was held before the match, during which NZ-born first-five Gareth Anscombe kicked 20 points for Wales.

The news hit home more for Maitland, who is from Christchurch and whose wife is Muslim.

Maitland revealed his mother-in-law was in a park near the Al Noor mosque at the time of the shooting and witnessed the police response.

"She saw all the police officers come from all different angles and head towards Bealey Ave," he said.

"Christchurch is a small place. Straight away, when they said the Bealey Ave mosque, I knew exactly where it was.

"I was in shock, I couldn't believe it. By the end of the day, it was mentally draining."

The 30-year-old said he and fellow Christchurch-born Scotland international Simon Berghan spoke before the game, where they vowed to put on a performance that would make their city proud.

"I never considered not playing, but it was tough," said Maitland. "I had a few text messages, asking if my family was all good.

"I thought there had been another earthquake.

"I went on to my Instagram, and I saw Sonny [Bill Williams] in tears. I couldn't believe it."

Maitland was a member of the Crusaders in 2011, when the devastating earthquakes rocked the city.

"Christchurch has had its fair share of setbacks and this is one of the darkest days. I'm just lost for words.

"It's a resilient city, especially since the earthquake. I believe the whole of New Zealand and the Muslim community will stick together."

Newshub.