Ex-All Black Sione Lauaki 'fell asleep at the wheel'

Ex-All Black Sione Lauaki 'fell asleep at the wheel'

NICOLA BRENNAN
April 27, 2010

Chiefs player and former All Black Sione Lauaki had only minimal alcohol in his system when he allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, smashing his car through a fence south of Huntly early on Saturday, his agent says.

But police said they were yet to receive the final blood alcohol analysis, which could take several days. It would determine if the 28-year-old would be charged.

The loose forward is on his last warning from the New Zealand Rugby Union after an alcohol-fuelled assault in a Hamilton bar in March. He will be sentenced over that incident next month.

Lauaki's agent, Bruce Sharrock, yesterday said Lauaki had a "couple of drinks" with his teammates following their Friday night clash against the Cheetahs at Waikato Stadium.

He then got in his car to drive to Auckland, Mr Sharrock said.

While driving along State Highway 1, "it appears Sione fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in his car leaving the road". Lauaki was treated at the scene before being taken to Waikato Hospital where a blood alcohol test was taken as a matter of course.

"Sione's hospital discharge sheet showed the blood alcohol readings were well below the legal limit," Mr Sharrock said. Lauaki was "badly shaken" and his right arm was bruised.

Mr Sharrock said everyone was thankful Lauaki was safe and well, and that the only major damage was to his car. "Sione is still in shock following this serious accident. Taking this into consideration, and in consultation with Chiefs team management, Sione will be taking a few days off rugby training to recover."

NZRU professional rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said player safety was important, so if Lauaki had fallen asleep at the wheel he would be spoken to ensure he made safe decisions in the future. But if he was found to be over the legal alcohol limit he would be in "deep trouble".

Waikato Times