A Frenchman living in Southland will never forget France's rugby test triumph over the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday - but for all the wrong reasons.
Farm worker Gregory Chapoul was driving his van to the match at Carisbrook when he crashed into the back of car in Mataura, 12km southwest of Gore, The Southland Times reported today.
Police officers gave the 26-year-old, from Clermont-Ferrand in central France, a ride to Gore from where he was able to hitch a lift to Dunedin.
But despite making the kickoff, Mr Chapoul did not last the match.
In the second half he jumped the fence and ran on to the field. He was arrested and missed the final 30 minutes of France's 27-22 win .
A sheepish Mr Chapoul said yesterday his test debut was all in the name of making his debut on television after he was egged on by friends back home.
His next appearance will be in court - facing a charge disorderly behaviour.
- NZPA
Frenchman starts test with crash, ends with arrest
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