All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino has been charged with drink-driving after a minor motor vehicle accident in Auckland today.
A New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) statement said Kaino, 25, was involved in a nose-to-tail accident in the city this morning and after being breath-tested by police attendingthe scene, was found to be over the legal limit.
Kaino was subsequently processed at Balmoral police station and is to appear in court on July 14 - two days after the second Tri-Nations test against South Africa in Dunedin.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand said the NZRU would consider a potential misconduct hearing after the legal process was completed.
"We'll wait for the police and the courts to deal with this case and then consider additional action as Jerome's employer.
"We will be very disappointed if in fact Jerome was driving under the influence.
"Drinking and driving is not acceptable behaviour."
Kaino returned to the All Blacks this month, two years after playing tests against Ireland twice in his debut season.
Reselected on the strength of his Super 14 campaign with the Blues, Kaino started the All Blacks season opening test against Ireland at No 8 on June 7, and held his place for the first of two tests against England a week later.
He was omitted from the squad for the second test last weekend.
Shand said Kaino would assemble with the New Zealand squad in Wellington on Sunday as scheduled.
The All Blacks start the defence of their Tri-Nations crown against South Africa at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.
