Wales rugby star Andy Powell has been banned from driving for 15 months after he admitted drink driving a golf buggy down the M4 hard shoulder after a Six Nations match.
The player, who has been dropped from the Wales squad because of the “prank”, was breathalysed and arrested by police at Cardiff West service station on junction 33 in the early hours of February 14.
He had drunkenly taken a golf buggy from the team’s base at the Vale Hotel after the sensational win against Scotland.
Powell, 28, appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court this morning and pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was fined £1,000 and was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
In a statement after the court case the Cardiff Blues player said: “I am mindful of those whom I have let down by my actions and I again offer a full public apology, especially to my fans who have been so supportive, my family, who have stood by me, and the senior officers, management and coaching staff of both the WRU and Cardiff Blues.
“I would also like to thank the police officers involved in the incident and the management of the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort for the sympathetic way that they dealt with the situation.
“I now intend to put this matter behind me and to get on with my rugby career and the remainder of the Cardiff Blues season.
“I still have aspirations to play for my country which means so much to me.
“I realise that many young sportsmen and women look up to international rugby players and that some of them may be amused by my antics with a golf buggy.
“However, they should note my regret and be aware that I do not excuse or condone drink-driving in any form.”
