Blues mid-fielder Francis Saili has kept his criminal record clean after making an "unwise decision'' and driving while suspended.
In Manukau District Court today, Judge Jonathan Moses gave the young All Blacks squad member a discharge without conviction after reading an affidavit from his Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.
Kirwansaid Saili was a respected member of the team. Another senior manager wrote about Saili's volunteer community work with schools and community groups, particularly in South Auckland.
Judge Moses said while he did not accept the charge would affect Saili's ability to travel and nothing had been put in front of him to prove that, he did take into account evidence from Kirwan who said criminal convictions were taken into account by teams.
In his affidavit, Kirwan said a conviction would affect Saili's ability to travel and his potential to play international rugby.
A judge can order a discharge without conviction if it is found the consequences of a conviction would outweigh the gravity of the offending.
Judge Moses said Saili's case passed the test but ordered him to pay $1000 to a driving road safety charity and disqualified his licence for six months.
"You have the capacity to make a positive contribution to New Zealand society in the future.''
