Beauden Barrett makes classy promise as he reacts to controversial Beirne red

Top class.

New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett has had his say on his clash with Tadhg Beirne, which resulted in a red card for the Irish second-row.

Beirne was sent off after a review following an accidental clash with Barrett, but the New Zealander has defended the Irishman.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was surprised at the decision, as was Barrett, who has vowed to defend Beirne when it comes to his disciplinary hearing.

“I spoke to Tadhg after the game and I was gutted for him to be honest,” Barrett said when asked about the incident.

“It was one of those unfortunate parts of the game. I didn’t expect the ball. I was hoping that Cam [Roigard] would have played the other option and he (Beirne) had no other option.

“He didn’t intentionally put a shoulder on me. I can’t hide from the fact that I copped a shoulder to somewhere up there, that’s what happened, but I’ll support him in terms of mitigating whatever happens next.

“I don’t feel there’s any intention there, it’s just unfortunate.”

Top class from the two-time World Player of the Year.