Weepu confesses to drink driving

Former All Black halfback Piri Weepu has confessed to drink driving.

Weepu, 34, appeared in Hutt Valley District Court yesterday. Shortly before his appearance, he made an announcement on social media site Instagram.

He wrote: ‘‘Kia ora, everyone. On the of 15th July, I was charged with excess breath alcohol while driving. I am due to appear in court in relation to this, at which time I will plead guilty.

‘‘I made an error in judgment and put my hand up 100 per cent and admit it was a really bad call on my part.

‘‘I’m extremely embarrassed and sorry for any impact this may have on my friends and family, and the wider community. Thank you to those who have supported me so far in this matter. I’ll be focusing hard on getting back on track.’’

In a video he said: ‘‘I am taking it on the chin and pleading guilty. I 100 per cent admit that what I had done was dumb and wrong.’’

Weepu, of Wainuiomata near Wellington was an All Black from 2004 to 2013 and played 73 tests, including the successful 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign.

‘‘I am taking it on the chin and pleading guilty. I 100 per cent admit that what I had done was dumb.’’ Piri Weepu

He appeared on the field 84 times for the Hurricanes (2004 to 2011) and 40 times for the Blues (2012-2014).

After the All Blacks, he played in Europe for London Welsh, Wasps, Oyonnnax and Narbonne before ending his career with Wairarapa Bush in 2017.

Weepu hosts a hunting and fishing show on Ma¯ori Television called Piri’s Tiki Tour.