The Queensland Reds have been hit with more off-field drama, amid claims former Wallaby George Smith had punched a Japanese taxi driver in an attempted New Year's Eve fare evasion in Tokyo.
The Yomiuri Shimbun Daily reported on Wednesday that a drunken Smith was apprehended by police after refusing to pay a 10,000 yen ($A126) cab fare and fleeing, then punching the taxi driver.
The driver reportedly chased him multiple times shortly after midnight on December 31.
Smith, 37, has denie the allegations but his club have confirmed an incident had taken place and that he'd been arrested.
Smith, having won 111 caps for the Wallabies, is playing in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath but is due back in Brisbane soon to play Super Rugby with the Reds.
"It is true that George Smith, under contract to our rugby team, has been arrested," Suntory Holdings Ltd said in a statement.
"We issue a heartfelt apology to the victim, as well as other related people, as well as to the many people who have worried and been caused problems by this."
Local police claimed Smith tried to escape the driver who eventually caught him.
"He demanded him to pay the (fare) and, after that, he assaulted him and caused an injury," a Tokyo Metropolitan Police officer told the ABC.
"He is saying, 'I was drunk; I don't remember; I didn't do such a thing'."
A Rugby Australia spokesperson said: "Rugby Australia is investigating reports of an incident involving George Smith in Japan. No further comment will be made at this time."
It is the second time this off-season a Reds-contracted player has fallen foul of the law.
Karmichael Hunt's future hangs in the balance after his second drug-related indiscretion, which had occurred barely 24 hours before the alleged incident involving Smith.
Hunt will face court on January 29 and, if found guilty, it is likely to spell the end of his rugby career.
Off-field dramas are the last thing new coach Brad Thorn would want as he seeks to install a winning culture at the struggling Reds, after just four wins last season.
Flanker Smith made his professional debut in 2000 with the Brumbies and, since retiring from international rugby in 2010, has played in France, England and Japan.
He returned to Super Rugby in Australia last season for a stint with the Reds and is contracted for one more year, but is battling a back injury that could see him miss the start of the season.
Reuters
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