Blues player and former All Black Rene Ranger has been convicted for drink driving after an incident earlier this month.
Rene Ranger of the Blues was taken off at half-time due to injury. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand Rugby and the Blues initiated misconduct proceedings after Ranger pleaded guilty to charges of drink driving and careless driving at Waitakere District Court today.
The centre was disqualified from driving for seven months, fined $800, and ordered to pay court costs.
Blues Rugby chief executive Michael Redman said he was disappointed by Ranger's poor choice, particularly given how experienced he was.
"We have clear policies and guidelines that our players agree to, that include the behaviour that we expect from them and they can expect of each other.
"Rene has accepted responsibility for his actions and we will work through an internal process with New Zealand Rugby now the outcome of the legal process is known."
New Zealand Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said Ranger had apologised to the Blues and he commended him for that.
He said they had been working with the Blues to complete the misconduct process as quickly as possible.
"Regardless of the outcome of the misconduct proceedings, we will work with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association to look at the best next steps in order to ensure Rene has access to the help he needs," Sorensen said.
Ranger, who returned to the Blues this season after being granted an early release from a year with French club Montpellier, had his Super Rugby season cut short in April after he ruptured a knee ligament.
