Rugby Australia delay Latu's punishment
NEWS: Wallabies and Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has been interviewed by Rugby Australia’s integrity unit over an alleged drink driving offence, but no outcome has been announced.
Reports in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday hours before Latu was scheduled to play for NSW against Queensland in Brisbane, alleged he was found asleep behind the wheel of a car with a blood alcohol level of 0.135 last Thursday.
Police will allege he was also driving on a suspended licence and will front Downing Centre Local Court on June 6.
On Monday, Latu who has played 12 Tests, met with the integrity unit, NSW Rugby Union chief executive Andrew Hore and the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA).
No details were released of the meeting, but there may be an update provided on Tuesday.
Any adverse findings and consequent sanctions would be a blow to 26-year-old Latu in a World Cup year.
He has already been banished from the Wallabies’ Brisbane training camp, conducted following the weekend’s Super Rugby round.
Latu has a history of on-field ill-discipline and only recently returned from a six-week suspension for charging into a ruck in round two.
He failed to inform the NSWRU of the alleged offence before it became public knowledge.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said he wasn’t aware of the incident until the media outlet contacted him at lunchtime on Saturday, just hours before the game.
Latu came on midway through the second half and had a hand in several key moments as the visitors prevailed 40-32.
Source: AAP
