The Chiefs and Hurricanes come together for a moments silence prior to their Super Rugby match. [Source: stuff.co.nz]

Steven and Dame Valerie Adams, Dan Carter, Brendon McCullum and Chris Wood, have been joined by scores of international sporting stars paying emotional tributes to the people of Christchurch.

Sport might seem utterly irrelevant in the wake of the tragic Christchurch shootings but it is helping to bring people together.

‏Forty-nine people have been confirmed dead after the terrorist attack at two Christchurch mosques on Friday afternoon with 39 patients being treated in Christchurch Hospital.

Muslim sporting identities Shahid Afridi, Mohamed Salah and Enes Kantar have all posted to social media saying their prayers are with the people of Christchurch.

“One of our great country’s “Darkest” days. My family’s thoughts are with our nation and our Muslim brothers and sisters. Much love,” former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum said in a social media post.

One of our great country’s “Darkest” days. My family’s thoughts are with our nation and our Muslim brothers and sisters. Much love ❤️ @ New Zealand https://t.co/prUfTZi96N

— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) March 15, 2019

McCullum spent several years living in Christchurch.

One of Canterbury’s favourite sporting sons Dan Carter said on social media he woke up hoping the shootings had been “just a horrible dream”.

Woke up today hoping it was all just a horrible dream. Sadly it wasn’t ?. Sending all my love and thoughts to everyone affected by this absolute tragedy. Stay strong Christchurch! pic.twitter.com/RQDcWYnLRT

— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) March 15, 2019

“Sadly it wasn’t. Sending all my love and thoughts to everyone affected by this absolute tragedy. Stay strong Christchurch!”

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, a devout Muslim, described the shootings as “pure evil”.

Dreadful news coming out of New Zealand this morning. My condolences go out to the families of those innocent victims who lost their lives in this act of pure evil.

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) March 15, 2019

“Dreadful news coming out of New Zealand this morning. My condolences go out to the families of those innocent victims who lost their lives in this act of pure evil,” he wrote on Twitter.

NBA star Enes Kanter sent prayers for his fellow Muslims.

We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin but we all belong to ONE HUMAN RACE.

TERRORISM HAS NO COLOUR!
TERRORISM HAS NO RELIGION!
TERRORISM HAS NO COUNTRY!

— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) March 15, 2019

“We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin but we all belong to ONE HUMAN RACE,” he said.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi said the Christchurch shootings were a “horrifying tragedy”.

Horrifying tragedy #Christchurch. I found NZ one of safest, most peaceful places, people are friendly. Spoke to Tamim big relief B’desh squad/staff is safe. World must together! stop hatred!Terrorism has no religion! Prayers for bereaved families. May Allah bless the departed.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 15, 2019

“I found NZ one of safest, most peaceful places, people are friendly,” he said.

Saturday night’s Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and Crusaders in Dunedin has been cancelled in the wake of the attacks.

Dame Valerie Adams, who was in Christchurch less than a week ago to coach her sister Lisa Adams at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships, said her thoughts and prayers were with Christchurch.

The Hurricanes and Chiefs came together in one circle before their Super Rugby match in Hamilton on Friday night for a minute’s silence honouring the victims of the attack.

The Warriors, who will have a minutes silence before Saturday evenings game against the Bulldogs, have announced all remaining tickets for the match will be available to the public free-of-charge as the club calls for unity.

Tickets offered free-of-charge at Warriors game as security boosted at Mt Smart Stadium https://t.co/TmgyW4aUax pic.twitter.com/yjfGBG8Xz6

— Stuff (@NZStuff) March 15, 2019

Kiwi squash ace Paul Coll dedicated his first title since 2016 – a victory at the Canary Wharf Classic PSA Gold tournament – to the city following Friday’s horror shootings.