All Blacks and Blues speedster Caleb Clarke has issued an apology after admitting that he drove dangerously and failed to stop for police.
Clarke’s case was heard in the Auckland District Court on Monday but he was excused from attending.
“Last year I made an error of judgment while riding my motorbike in Auckland,” read a statement released on behalf of Clarke. “I’ve taken full responsibility for my actions and have entered a guilty plea today.
“I’m extremely apologetic and embarrassed. The court and employment processes are ongoing and I am now going to focus fully on my rugby.”
However, according to The New Zealand Herald, that statement was later retracted by the Blues, and a new statement was issued which read: “Blues winger Caleb Clarke has been charged with failing to stop and dangerous driving while riding his motorcycle in Auckland late last year.
“Caleb has admitted the offending and will be sentenced in June. He will now go through both that court process and, once it is complete, an internal employment procedure.
“Caleb is a valued member of the Blues family and will be provided with support throughout.”
The New Zealand Herald reported that Clarke’s lawyer, Rowan Butler, entered the pleas on his behalf before community magistrate Kaye Davies.
Butler requested that a plea not be immediately entered so he could ask for a discharge without conviction on behalf of his client.
According to court documents, Clarke was on State Highway 16 in the Mount Albert suburb of Auckland on December 3 when his driving attracted the attention of police.
The New Zealand Herald revealed that further details of the offending, including the agreed summary of facts, are yet to be released to them.
If found guilty, Clarke could face up to three months’ imprisonment for driving dangerously, along with a NZ$4500 fine.
If a driver fails to stop for police while exceeding the speed limit, it is punishable by a fine of up to NZ$10,000.
Clarke has represented New Zealand at sevens and U20 level and made his Test debut for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in a 16-16 draw in Wellington in 2020.
He has represented his country in 29 Tests, scoring 13 tries, and was part of the Blues squad which won Super Rugby Pacific last year.
