George Smith has now been fired

Japanese Top League club Suntory have fired Wallaby great George Smith and he has also been fined by the Queensland Reds.

It emerged in January that Smith had been arrested in Japan following an incident with a taxi driver on New Year’s Eve.

Suntory have now fired him over the same incident. In a statement, the club said: “In addition to the victim and those involved, we sincerely apologize to the many people to whom we have caused trouble.”

The 37-year-old had one year remaining on his contract and has been sacked despite Japan police deciding not to prosecute the Wallaby.

The Queensland Reds have also fined him as a result of his failure to inform them of the situation in Japan.

In January the Yomiuri Shimbun Daily reported that the Reds star was arrested after assaulting a taxi driver on December 31. According to the report, the assault occurred after the intoxicated Smith refused to pay the taxi fare. The driver allegedly pursued Smith for the 10,000 yen ($90) fare, who it is claimed then punched the taxi driver in the face and chest.

It was reported that he was held in custody for 18 days.

The 111 Test-capped Wallaby, was based in Tokyo at Suntory Sungoliath during Super Rugby’s off-season and denied the allegations against him.

Suntory previously confirmed his arrest in a statement. “It is true that George Smith, under contract to our rugby team, has been arrested.
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.”