Jamie Josephs: Malakai Fekitoa should focus on rugby

Highlanders head coach Jamie Josephs says Malakai Fekitoa should concentrate on rugby after drawing attention to his struggle with anger issues.

Fekitoa – part of New Zealand's 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning squad – admitted his problems with managing his anger in a heartfelt post on social media on Wednesday.

He wrote: "I've got a huge problem with anger. I don't handle some situation [sic] very well on and off the field.

"I get really angry sometimes and flip out so I would like to apologise publicly to any of you if I ever said something really hurtful to you at home, on the field and through social media. Whatever it is.

"I'm ashamed and regretful, lesson learnt. I suggest that no matter how old you are or who you are… You need to speak to someone about it.

"Your feelings and what's inside you. It's never bad until it will cost you. #CallOutForHelp."

The 23-year-old participated as Highlanders stepped up their preparations for the forthcoming Super Rugby season with a 19-19 draw in a trial game against Crusaders on Thursday.

Head coach Josephs thinks opening up publicly may not have been the best idea for Fekitoa, but suggested he focus on playing.

"He is a young man who is very honest and slightly naive in terms of, I guess, the media attention," he said.

"He just needs to play rugby. He is a great rugby player. There are a lot of guys in that position who get a bit angry when they play rugby, you don't have to look too far than myself.

"But he's a good rugby player and he just needs to play the game."