Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has been sentenced to 50 hours community work after pleading guilty to two charges of driving while disqualified.
Appearing in Hastings District Court today, the 21-year-old was supported by his mother and Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry.
He faced two charges, the first
for driving to training and the second to deregister his vehicle.
In sentencing, Judge Richard Watson said he could use his standing as a successful rugby player to help others during his community work sentence.
Tameifuna's counsel Roger Philip said the Chiefs franchise and coach Coventry had set up an "8 point plan" to help support him.
"They believe they can look after his best interests . . . and address, if you like, any issues regarding his performance on and off the field," he said.
Tameifuna was also disqualified from driving for nine months.
