More problems for Hurricanes wing

ROSS GIBLIN/ The Dominion Post

MORE TROUBLE: Hurricanes winger David Smith's professional career could be in jeopardy as the NZRU reopens disciplinary proceedings following his drink-driving conviction.

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Hurricanes winger David Smith's professional career could be in jeopardy as the NZRU reopens disciplinary proceedings following his drink-driving conviction.

Smith, 23, was fined $800 and disqualified from driving for nine months after pleading guilty to excess blood alcohol and careless use of a motor vehicle.

Smith appeared in the Wellington District Court yesterday, though the sanctions may not end with his fine and suspension.

Further punishment from his employer, the NZRU, is not his only potential problem, as the Department of Immigration could choose to revoke his work permit.

A Samoan national, he had sought a discharge without conviction but Judge Craig Thompson refused to accept possible immigration problems outweighed the seriousness of the offence.

If Smith's work permit was withdrawn he may have to leave the country.

Smith crashed his car into a parked vehicle while checking a text message as he drove home in central Wellington on May 24.

He crossed the centre line and hit a parked car about 7.18am, pushing it into two others.

Smith had an excess breath alcohol of 821 mcg -- more than twice the legal limit of 400 -- and told police he had had several vodkas with lemonade.

The Dominion Post newspaper said Smith had organised transport for the owners of the cars he had damaged, and would pay for repairs.

The NZRU opened a misconduct investigation shortly after the incident but it was put on hold pending the outcome of the court proceedings.

Smith was expected to meet NZRU officials this week; the Wellington Rugby Union considered the matter closed and would not be taking any disciplinary action.

Smith played for Wellington in Friday's successful Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago.

He is expected to be in the side to play Hawke's Bay in the second round of the Air NZ Cup at Napier on Saturday.

-NZPA