Former Wallabies flanker George Smith was reportedly arrested for assaulting a Japanese taxi driver on New Year’s Eve.
According to reports, the Suntory Sungoliath player was apprehended by police after he allegedly refused to pay a 10,000 yen (R1,112) taxi fare and attempted to flee, before punching the pursuing taxi driver.
Smith is said to have denied the allegation, but was suspended by Suntory and did not feature in last Saturday’s Top League final.
Smith, who has 111 Test caps for the Wallabies, has been playing in Japan, but was set to return to the Reds ahead of Super Rugby.
He could now face having his contract terminated and deportation from Japan if the taxi driver pursues charges.
Photo: EPA/Dave Hunt
