England rugby star Matt Dawson has been criticised for mocking the New Zealand rugby team's iconic haka dance after he reinterpreted it as the 'Hakarena' in an advert for a clothing company.
The former England captain performed the dance in the style of the 'Macarena', a routine made famous by a Spanish pop song of the same name from 1995, as part of a promotional campaign for menswear brand Jacamo.
In the video, he is seen swivelling his hips and laughing as he imitates the dance with a troupe of actors ahead of the Rugby World Cup in London.
But today a leading political figure in New Zealand lambasted the star of the 2003 Rugby World Cup for his "shameful" performance.
Sir Pita Sharples, former co-leader of the Maori Party, said the video showed disrespect for Maori culture, as the All Blacks perform the dance to show respect for the opposing team ahead of every game.
He told the New Zealand Herald: "The haka is done as a way of honouring the enemy.
"You don't do it in those sorts of circumstances -- you do it if you're up for a challenge.
"By doing a haka as the All Blacks do, it's recognising the worth of the other side.
"So if they're doing something to mock the haka, then I think that's pretty shameful."
In the video, Dawson is heard saying: "England have an amazing chance to be crowned world champions but there's a major obstacle -- the All Blacks."
"But I'm telling you what, we've got our own secret weapon. Have a go at the hakarena, maybe we'll put the All Blacks off their rhythm."
Jacamo has been contacted for comment.
