Sonny Bill Williams releases emotional video tribute to victims of Christchurch mosque attacks

All Blacks and Blues player Williams, a Muslim, expressed his "deep, deep" sadness over the attack

New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has released an emotional video tribute to the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings that left at least 49 people dead.

A gunman opened fire during Friday prayers at two mosques in the New Zealand city, which also left 20 injured.

New Zealand police say four people - three men and a woman - have been arrested in connection with the attack.

All Blacks and Blues player Williams, a Muslim, expressed his "deep, deep" sadness over the attack.

The Bangladesh cricket team were on a bus that was pulling up to the Al Noor mosque near Hagley Oval for Friday prayers when the shooting began, but none of the players were inside and all were safe.

The third and final Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled.

Updated: March 15, 2019, 12:37 PM