Rugby star ‘seen with two dealers’
French reports say Ali Williams and former Wallaby arrested after alleged cocaine transaction in Paris
Arrested former All Black Ali Williams was spotted in a car with two dealers as an alleged cocaine transaction took place in central Paris, while former Wallabies star James O’Connor was described by a police source as “watching”, French media are reporting.
British and French media reported yesterday that Williams — a Rugby World Cup winner and 77-cap All Black — was arrested with O’Connor outside a nightclub near the Arc de Triomphe about 3am Saturday local time [3pm Saturday NZ].
The 35-year-old moved to France after coming out of retirement to play for Racing 92 this season.
French news website La Depeche reported last night that a police source had said Williams was in a car with two dealers while O’Connor seemed to be “watching”.
“When checked by plainclothes policemen, the New Zealander tried to get rid of the drug while one of the two dealers questioned admitted selling cocaine for 180 [$263].” They were said to be in possession of 2g of cocaine, La Depeche reported.
After their arrest, the pair could be held in custody for up to 24 hours.
Under French law they must be released after that point, unless there are specific circumstances which would justify an additional 24 hours, Fairfax reported.
Drug use carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison in France or a € 3750 ($5500) fine.
Users can also be ordered to attend drug awareness programmes or to do courtordered therapy.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said MFat was aware of Williams’ arrest, but as of last night the embassy in Paris had not been approached for consular help.
New Zealand Rugby refused to comment on the allegations, saying it didn’t have access to all the information about the arrest and would not comment further because Williams was no longer contracted to NZR.
But NZR general manager Neil Sorensen said it took the issue of illicit drugs “very seriously”.
“In our last players’ collective agreement we introduced a new illicit drugs test regime and we promote and expect drug-free sport.”
The two rugby stars were reportedly taken into custody and were heavily intoxicated when they were arrested, said French media.
Two suspected dealers were also arrested.
Racing 92 said Williams would not be considered for selection until the matter was resolved.
“A player of Racing 92 is at the heart of an investigation into the possession of cocaine,” it said.
If the investigation confirmed the possession of cocaine and the transaction, “it would not only be against the law but also a serious breach of our ethics,” the club said. It apologised to its partners and fans.
The arrests come days after Racing 92 player and former All Black Dan Carter had to apologise for “a massive error of judgment” after he allegedly failed a drink-driving test in France.
It’s not Williams first brush with controversy. In 2007 while in South Africa with club side Blues he was sent home for “disciplinary problems”, including drinking and a lack of respect for team management.
O’Connor has not played for Australia since 2013 when he was stood down by the ARU after a drunken row saw him escorted out of Perth Airport.
Herald sports columnist Chris Rattue has spoken up for the pair, saying they’re “two more victims” of drug laws. “When drugs are an issue in people’s lives, it is a health issue. It should not be a legal one.”