Paris, at 3am, might seem a long way from New Zealand. But when you're a former All Black and held by police on the suspicion of buying illicit drugs, it is just the press of a button away as coverage of the extraordinary encounter gets sent for the next news cycle.
A chastened Ali Williams was reminded of this connection this week when his reckless decision to allegedly buy cocaine from an undercover police officer rapidly became a trending topic on social media.
Dan Carter, another French-domiciled retired All Black, had his uncomfortable time in the headlights two weeks ago when he was charged with drink-driving. Williams and Carter have apologised for their poor judgment.
The courts still have to rule in their cases, though yet another former top player, Byron Kelleher, was yesterday fined $300 over a domestic violence incident. It was the latest in a series of brushes with the law in France for Kelleher. The common factor in his problems would seem to be alcohol.
Besides casting the former rugby stars in a poor light, and causing unnecessary distractions for New Zealand Rugby, the episodes reinforce the message that a lapse in standards can be costly wherever it occurs.
