All Blacks' Clarke accepts dangerous driving charges

Mon, Feb 24, 2025, 12:07 AM
AAP
by AAP

All Blacks star Caleb Clarke faces hefty fines or even jail time after admitting charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

The NZ Herald reports the 29-Test winger pleaded guilty - through a lawyer - to charges in the Auckland District Court on Monday related to an incident in the city last December.

Watch every game of Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

While the 25-year-old has apologised, he is seeking a discharge without conviction, ahead of sentencing in June.

"Last year I made an error of judgment while riding my motorbike in Auckland," he said, according to the NZ Herald.

"I've taken full responsibility for my actions and have entered a guilty plea today.

"I'm extremely apologetic and embarrassed. The court and employment processes are ongoing and I am now going to focus fully on my rugby."

The Blues are set to allow Clarke to play out the Super Rugby season without disciplining him, issuing a club statement that said it would conduct an "internal employment procedure" after sentencing.

New Zealand Rugby is yet to comment on the wrongdoing.

The charges carry weighty punishment under New Zealand law: dangerous driving can lead to three months' jail, disqualification from driving for six month or a fine up to $NZ4500 ($A4060), while failing to stop can bring a fine of $NZ10,000 ($A9030).

Clarke helped the Blues to a drought-busting Super Rugby Pacific title last year, the Auckland-based side's first in 21 years.

The champions sit bottom of the table after two winless rounds, with Clarke try-less this season. 

The destructive winger has a history of saving his best rugby for Tests against the Wallabies, including a breakout 2020 showing at Eden Park when he broke 12 tackles, and a two-try haul in Wellington last September.

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