Chiefs prop pleads guilty to driving charges

Ben Tameifuna at training for Hawkes Bay. Photo / Paul Taylor

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has pleaded guilty to two charges of driving while disqualified.

Appearing in Hastings District Court today, the 21-year-old was sentenced to 50 hours' community work.

He was supported in court by his mother and Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry.

He faced two charges, the first for driving to training and the second for driving to deregister his vehicle.

Judge Richard Watson said Tameifuna could use his standing as a successful rugby player to help others during his community work sentence.

Defence lawyer Roger Philip said the Chiefs franchise and coach Coventry had set up an eight-point plan to help support Tameifuna.

"They believe they can look after his best interests . . . and address, if you like, any issues regarding his performance on and off the field,'' Mr Philip said.

Tameifuna was also disqualified from driving for nine months.