New Zealand Rugby League Chairman Reon Edwards has apologised for the Kiwi team’s bizarre post-match comments which came from coach David Kidwell, captain Adam Blair and star halfback Shaun Johnson following their shock quarter final loss to Fiji.

“An apology to the league fans out there is required – I certainly don’t think it was necessary or appropriate to make those comments,” Edwards told Radio Sports Breakfast in New Zealand.

“I’d like to apologise to the rugby league fans out there. I don’t think it was at all required, it wasn’t necessary. Our league fans wear their heart on their sleeve like we all do and they have every right to be disappointed and upset about that result on the weekend.

“They are human beings – they have acknowledged they probably could have handled that in a much better way which we can all learn form.”