Ali Williams: 'I made a big mistake'

Ali Williams. Photo NZ Herald
Ali Williams. Photo NZ Herald
Former All Blacks lock Ali Williams has spoken for the first time following his cocaine arrest in France over the weekend.

Williams was charged with buying cocaine and former Australian international James O'Connor with possession of the drug after French police arrested the pair outside a Paris nightclub on Sunday.

"I made a big mistake and I'm sorry. I feel I've let down our beloved rugby community. I will face the consequences. Thanks 4 all the support," Williams said on his Twitter account this morning.

The former All Black has been suspended by Paris club Racing 92, which has also dropped him as its official ambassador.

Racing forwards coach Laurent Travers told French media that Williams had commited an "inexcusable error" and his arrest was just the latest in a series of off-field misadventures that had affected the club in recent months.

Former All Black Dan Carter faces drink-driving charges, after being pulled over in Paris last month, while Munster coach Anthony Foley collapsed and died in a Paris hotel room, on the eve of a Champions Cup clash between the two clubs.

"We have a series that I hope will end," said Travers, who also lamented the extra scrutiny Paris-based sports teams were subjected to by the public and media.

"We know, as you know, that in other disciplines, other sports and even in other Top 14 teams, things have happened and nothing has been written."

France correspondent Catherine Field told Newstalk ZB that French media reported Williams had made a plea bargain, and would appear before a judge and a prosecutor later this week in a closed court.

Add a Comment