The potential damage to the All Blacks brand is mounting in the wake of recent incidents involving former players now playing professional club rugby in France.
First, it was golden boy Dan Carter, who was caught drink-driving by French police last month.
Then, it was Ali Williams, charged with buying cocaine after being caught by police outside a Paris nightclub.
And last week, in a French court, Byron Kelleher was found guilty of domestic violence. (He had been charged after an incident in June last year in which he was accused of attacking his partner while intoxicated. He has reportedly now left France.)
The men appear to have got off relatively lightly in legal terms. Carter still faces a court appearance, but Williams has reportedly made a plea bargain with authorities. Kelleher was fined $300.
Kelleher has been in trouble with the law twice before — for drink-driving and brawling. Although he has apologised for past behaviour, his lawyer’s defence of the incident in court as simply a "lovers’ quarrel" will not wash with some. New Zealand Rugby was tarnished by the Chiefs stripper incident. Then there was All Black and Highlander Aaron Smith’s toilet shenanigans. Julian Savea was charged with assaulting his partner several years ago.
After initially dragging its feet, NZ Rugby is now working to change attitudes about women among its players’ ranks. In the wake of that brand damage, the latest incidents are clearly stretching patience. While the public may forgive and forget to varying degrees, the All Blacks cannot be seen to tolerate violence and illegal activity in current or past players.
Personally and professionally, the men risk losing a lot, too. While they may be in the twilight of their playing careers,
Carter has been the face of many corporate advertising campaigns. Land Rover swiftly dropped him as its brand ambassador after the drink-driving incident. What happens if more offers dry up and the clubs close their doors?
When the men were All Blacks they were expected to meet a high threshold. They were also used to being micro-managed. It is clear what happens without a safety net.
Yet it is surprising to see older, supposedly wiser players get into such trouble. While they will get support from their former New Zealand team-mates and families, they will also be aware of the damage and upset they have caused them. That will be a harsh penalty indeed.
Making mistakes and errors of judgement are only human. Admitting them, apologising for them, and learning from them offers the best way to redemption. They have not got get-out-of-jail-free cards just yet.
