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Home / Sport

Ali Williams fined $2300 for buying cocaine

NZ Herald
5 Apr, 2017 09:09 PM2 mins to read

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Former All Blacks lock Ali Williams. Photo / AP

Former All Blacks lock Ali Williams. Photo / AP

Former All Black Ali Williams has had his day in court, now he has to wait to see if he still has a job.

The 77-test veteran was convicted of buying cocaine outside a Paris nightclub and fined 1,500 euros (NZ$2300) by a French court overnight.

The Paris prosecutor's office said the former All Blacks lock has pleaded guilty to "buying and possessing drugs."

Williams was arrested in alleged possession of 2.4 grams of cocaine in February, alongside former Australian player James O'Connor.

O'Connor was fined for cocaine use last month.

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The pair will appear in front of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby's discipline and rules commission next Wednesday.

Williams' current club, Paris' Racing 92, has said the 2011 World Cup winner will "soon" be fired over the incident.

The Paris club have already suspended Williams as a precautionary measure and removed him as a club ambassador.

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Last month Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti told Midi Olympique magazine that "unfortunately, Ali Williams will soon be dismissed".

Investigators alleged that the 35-year-old Williams was the one who bought the cocaine, although he tested negative for the drug. They alleged that O'Connor tested positive, but was not involved in the deal.

Williams has already issued a public apology on social media.

I made a big mistake and I’m sorry. I feel I've let down our beloved rugby community. I will face the consequences. Thanks 4 all the support

— Ali Williams (@AliWilliams_) March 1, 2017
Ali Williams arrives at the Paris courthouse. Photo / AP
Ali Williams arrives at the Paris courthouse. Photo / AP

His arrest was the second off-field incident to impact the club in recent months. Former All Black Dan Carter was also arrested for drink-driving in Paris in February.

Discover more

Super Rugby

Highlanders welcome back All Blacks

06 Apr 01:08 AM
All Blacks

Axed Ali Williams set to return to NZ

29 Apr 05:00 PM

Over the course of his career Williams picked up 77 caps for the All Blacks, including an appearance as a replacement in the home 2011 World Cup final win over France.

The 35-year-old has not been immune to controversy in the past. In 2007 while in South Africa with club side Blues he was sent home for "disciplinary problems", including late-night drinking sessions and a lack of respect for team management.

Williams took a measure of responsibility for his actions but added: "It takes two to tango."

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