New Zealand captain Sam Cane brutally KICKS pitch invader sending his shoe flying before issuing grovelling apology

NEW ZEALAND rugby captain Sam Cane KICKED a pitch invader following his side's win over Argentina on Saturday.

The All Blacks claimed a comfortable 41-12 victory in The Rugby Championship in South America.

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But the headlines were made by skipper Cane, 31, immediately after the final whistle.

A video captured from the stands showed the rugby star swinging his leg and catching a fan who had run onto the pitch and made it close to the New Zealand huddle.

And Cane was swift to apologise for his actions just hours later.

Speaking on , he said: "After the game someone ran onto the pitch and I made an error in judgment and played a part in stopping him.

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"I acknowledge this was not my role and it is out of character of me to act in such a way.

"I am really sorry and am disappointed in myself.

"I am trying my best to contact the individual to apologise and make things right."

He then later added: "Through the help of many good people, I managed to track down Roman.

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"Had a good catch up with him and his friends and I’m glad that we could leave things in a good place."

The clip went viral on social media, with one person saying: "This seems upside down to me. Pitch invader should be the one apologising."

And another added: "The kick is quite aggressive but it’s natural instincts for athletes I think. Especially the entitlement that comes with the pitch invasion.

"Players work their lives to earn a spot on that pitch and some muppet runs through it for a laugh? Not cool."

But someone else took a different stance, responding: "He [Cane] should be banned for this."