Aleki Martin Morris, 29 — who has previously played for Otago and Southland, and now turns out for North Otago — appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week, where Judge David Robinson expressed his shock at the man’s breath-alcohol level of 1441mcg.
"This is actually one of the highest readings I’ve seen ... That’s a huge number," he said.
After pleading guilty, Morris was admitted to The Right Track rehabilitation programme.
He said the course, which aims at confronting those with dangerous attitudes to driving, had been a catalyst for change.
"I think the programme was a really good opportunity for me to see the seriousness of my offending," Morris told the court.
"It was also a good way for me to tackle my drinking habit, something I’ve been trying to tackle for a while."
His recent sobriety was his longest stint off alcohol since he was 15, he said, and he was reaping the benefits.
"I can already see positive changes," Morris said.
On March 5, he was drinking with friends at a Mornington bar and by 8.20pm they were so intoxicated they were refused service.
Court documents detailed how Morris drove the group away in his Ford Ranger and was spotted "swerving over the road and almost crashing" on his way to Caversham.
Within half an hour, he was back at the pub carpark, where police found him sitting in the driver’s seat.
Morris was originally accused of refusing to accompany police following his behaviour in the aftermath but that charge was withdrawn.
"At the very least I can conclude you were belligerent," Judge Robinson said.
A police summary of facts noted Morris "told attending officers they should be arresting real criminals instead of him for moving his car".
The judge said it was miraculous the rugby player did not crash given his state.
"I have no doubt this was a tragedy waiting to happen and only good luck, not good management, [means] we’re not dealing with something more serious," he said.
Morris was sentenced to nine months’ supervision (during which he was banned from alcohol consumption) and fined $750.
He was also disqualified from driving for 28 days after which the alcohol-interlock provisions apply.
It was not Morris’ first indiscretion.
The hard-running back chalked up his first drink-driving conviction in 2013 and was charged again in 2020 after he was found asleep in his ute, which had hit a parking meter.
However, he was acquitted at a trial the following year.
