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Former Australian rugby international George Smith was reportedly arrested in Japan.
Former Australian rugby international George Smith was reportedly arrested in Japan. Photograph: Dan Peled/AAP
Former Australian rugby international George Smith was reportedly arrested in Japan. Photograph: Dan Peled/AAP

Former Wallaby George Smith arrested for punching Japanese taxi driver – reports

This article is more than 6 years old

Smith reportedly apprehended by police in Japan after refusing to pay a 10,000 yen ($126) cab fare on new year’s eve

The Queensland Reds are braced for more off-field drama after revelations former Wallaby George Smith had been arrested for punching a Japanese taxi driver on new year’s eve.

The Yomiuri Shimbun Daily reported on Wednesday that a drunken Smith was apprehended by police in Japan after refusing to pay a 10,000 yen ($126) cab fare and fleeing, then punching the taxi driver. The driver reportedly chased him multiple times shortly after midnight on 31 December.

The 37-year-old had denied the allegations, the paper added.

Smith, who has won 111 caps for the Wallabies, is playing in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath but is due back in Brisbane soon to play Super Rugby with the Reds. The Reds and Rugby Australia have both been approached for comment.

Local police were not immediately available for comment but Suntory Holdings Ltd confirmed Smith’s arrest.

“It is true that George Smith, under contract to our rugby team, has been arrested,” the company said in a statement.

It is the second time a Reds-contracted player has fallen foul of the law this off-season.

Karmichael Hunt’s future hangs in the balance after his second drug-related allegation.

Hunt will face court on 29 January and, if found guilty, it is likely to spell the end of his rugby career.

Off-field dramas are the last thing new coach Brad Thorn would want as he seeks to install a winning culture at the struggling Reds, after just four wins last season.

Flanker Smith made his professional debut in 2000 with the Brumbies and, since retiring from international rugby in 2010, has played in France, England and Japan.

He returned to Super Rugby in Australia last season for a stint with the Reds and is contracted for one more year.

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