Wallabies are hit with ANOTHER scandal as star hooker is accused of drink driving after being found slumped behind the wheel of his car
- Waratahs player Tolu Latu was allegedly found sleeping behind the wheel
- Police woke him up and he allegedly returned an alcohol reading of 0.135
- He was found at 4.30am on Thursday not far from Rugby Australia HQ in Sydney
- It comes just one day after Israel Folau was sacked over homophobic posts
Just one day after Israel Folau was sacked, Rugby Australia has been rocked with another scandal, with Waratahs player Tolu Latu being charged with drink driving.
Latu, 26, was allegedly found slumped at the wheel of his car nearby Rugby Australia's headquarters in Sydney's Moore Park at 4.30am on Thursday, after witnesses called police.
It's alleged he returned an alcohol reading of 0.135 after police officers managed to wake him up. It's also alleged he was driving on a suspended license.
The test hooker had only been back for two games after returning from a six-week suspension after foul play in a ruck in February's match against the Sunwolves.
The scandal is a fresh blow to Rugby Australia, just a day after Folau had his $4 million contract ripped up when RA took the 'painful' decision to sack him for claiming 'hell awaits' gay people on Instagram in April.
Waratahs player Tolu Latu's (left) alleged drink driving is a fresh blow to Rugby Australia just a day after Israel Folau (right) had his $4 million contract ripped up when RA took the 'painful' decision to sack him for claiming 'hell awaits' gay people
On Friday, a three-person panel concluded that Folau's four-year contract, which he only recently signed, was to be terminated.
The Wallabies will now be without their best player, who scored 37 tries in 72 Tests at the World Cup.
'Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia's position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action,' RA chief executive, Raelene Castle said.
Tolu Latu, 26, (middle) was allegedly found slumped at the wheel of his car nearby Rugby Australia's headquarters in Sydney's Moore Park at 4.30am on Thursday, after witnesses called police
The rugby community is reeling over the news of Latu's alleged drink driving, with former Wallabies captain George Gregan telling Fox Sports: 'the last thing they need is something like that.'
Rugby officials issued a statement saying they're investigating the Latu's alleged drink driving incident, and are working with the New South Wales Rugby Union to piece together the facts.
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'Rugby Australia and New South Wales Rugby Union have been made aware today by the Daily Telegraph of an incident involving Wallabies and Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu,' the Daily Telegraph reported the statement.
Latu was set to take part in pre-World Cup training in Brisbane on Sunday, but it's understood he won't attending anymore.
On Friday, a three-person panel concluded that Folau's (right) four-year contract was to be terminated, but now Rugby Australia is investigating Latu's (left) alleged drink driving charges after he was found asleep behind the wheel on Thursday in Sydney
His rugby career has been no stranger to suspensions. In 2015 he was handed a four week ban after up-ending Canterbury player Sam Whitelock.
The following year he punched Matt Toomua and was forced to sit out for one game.
Last year, the 26-year-old pushed All Black player Codie Taylor in the face during the final Bledisloe Cup match, which ended with Latu being yellow carded.
Latu will face Downing Centre Local Court on mid-range drink driving charges on June 6.
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