Rugby star twice the limit, say police

David Smith is collared during the Hurricanes' May 10 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton. Photo / BOP Times

A Super 14 star was driving with more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood when he hit a car, causing a domino effect that damaged two other vehicles, police allege.

Hurricanes winger David Smith was arrested about 7.15am last Sunday in connection with a crash in central Wellington.

The 23-year-old faces two charges, driving while intoxicated and careless driving, but has yet to appear in court.

The Herald on Sunday understands the player blew 812mg per litre of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 400mg.

He allegedly crossed the centre line before hitting a parked vehicle.

That vehicle was allegedly shunted backwards into another parked car, which then shunted another in return.

"It's the domino effect," a police source said. "He's hit one and they've gone back into another two cars."

The New Zealand Rugby Union said they and the Hurricanes would not comment until the court case had ended.

Smith's agent Simon Porter would not comment and neither would Bryan Williams, his coach during his time at leading Auckland club Ponsonby.

Smith's Super 14 season ended two nights earlier, when the Hurricanes suffered semifinal heartbreak against the Chiefs.

The 90kg winger is due to make a first appearance at Wellington District Court on June 12.