Former All Black and NZ Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has pleaded guilty to drink-driving, after returning an excessive breath test in Auckland last month.
Tuivasa-Sheck, 30, was stopped on State Highway One with a breath alcohol level of 453 micrograms per litre of breath. The limit for drivers older than 20 is 250mcg.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment and $4500. Tuivasa-Sheck appeared at Auckland District Court on Wednesday morning, and was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for six months.
Laywer John Munro told the court he had attended a function at SkyCity the previous night, when he drank five beers and left at 2am. He stayed the night at a friend's place until 6am, before catching an Uber to Manukau, but returned to the city to collect his car and was picked up at a routine checkpoint.
"He doesn't seek any special treatment," Munro said. "He is taking it on the chin."
Tuivasa-Sheck is one of New Zealand's most respected athletes, captaining the Warriors from 2017-21 and becoming the only player from that club to win the Dally M Medal as NRL Player of the Year.
After 111 games for the Auckland club - and 84 for Sydney Roosters - he switched to rugby, where he played two seasons for the Blues and three tests for the All Blacks, before announcing he would return to the Warriors in 2024.
He is currently representing Auckland in the National Provincial Championship.