Ex-All Black Piri Weepu 'in tears' at his mother's graduation

Piri Weepu with his brother and mother. Photo / Instagram

Ex-All Black halfback Piri Weepu says he was in tears watching his mother graduate today.

Weepu posted a photo to Instagram congratulating her this afternoon.

"Was an emotional day today watching my mum walk up on stage at her graduation. Very proud of her learning the Reo again. Sad part was dad not being able to watch his wife accept her wonderful achievement."

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Was an emotional day today watching my mum walk up on stage at her graduation. Very proud of her learning the Reo again. Sad part was dad not being able to watch his wife accept her wonderful achievement. No haka from me as I was in tears watching Mum go up there wishing dad was there. I know he’s watching down on you and proud of you like my brother and I. Ka mau te wehi, me to mahi ako I te Reo Māori. Ka nui te aroha kia koe mama!

A post shared by piriweepu9 (@piriweepu9) on Apr 5, 2018 at 6:39pm PDT

He said there was no haka from him as he was in tears watching wishing his dad was there to see his mum walk across the stage.

"I know he's watching down on you and proud of you like my brother and I. Ka mau te wehi, me to mahi ako I te Reo Māori. Ka nui te aroha kia koe mama!"

Fans shared Weepu's joy, one commenting: "This is so awesome! Makes my heart full for you seeing this buddy."

The 71-test All Black retired from all forms of rugby in October last year.

After a career which saw him wear the number nine jersey for the Hurricanes, Blues and All Blacks, as well as several overseas sides, Weepu spent what would be his final season playing for Wairarapa Bush in the Heartland Championship.

Weepu made his provincial debut in 2003 for Wellington, playing with the Lions until 2011 when he switched to Auckland from 2012 to 2014.