A New Zealand rugby player's world cup celebrations were curtailed when he was caught drink-driving after watching the All Blacks reach the final.

Kiwi Leo Liua'ana, who plays for Medway Rugby Club, was arrested and put in police cells after being stopped while driving erratically along The Esplanade, in Rochester, in the early hours after New Zealand had knocked out South Africa at Twickenham on October 24.

Liua’ana, of Arundel Square, Maidstone, who plays on the wing for his club, had been spotted by police on Sunday, October 25, at about 1.50am and he was pulled over on suspicion of drink-driving.

He was asked to take a breath test and gave a reading of 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

Liua’ana, who played at the weekend, was arrested and subsequently charged with driving while over the limit. He appeared before magistrates in Medway this week where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard how Liua’ana, who is living in England for two years to play for the club, was working as a metal fabricator and was a good player.

Magistrates were told he had a couple of drinks on the night while watching the semi-final match, which the All Blacks won 20-18, and thought he was in control when he decided to get behind the wheel.

Liua’ana was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £190. He was also ordered to pay £235 court costs.