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Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu could face a maximum penalty of 9 months in prison

Tolu Latu of the Wallabies. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu has pleaded guilty to drink driving without a valid licence two days before a vital clash between his NSW Waratahs team and the Queensland Reds.

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Latu, who has played 12 Tests for the Wallabies, appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday and admitted both offences, according to court documents.

The 26-year-old had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.135 and was driving on a suspended licence when he was nabbed behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Outlander at Moore Park in Sydney about 4.30am on May 16.

Two days later, the 110-kilogram hooker played off the Waratahs bench as they defeated the Reds 40-32 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union only found out about the incident on the day of the game after being contacted by a Sydney news organisation.

Latu, who was later stood down from playing pending the court outcome, took full responsibility for the incident days after it happened.

In a statement issued by NSWRU he apologised to teammates and the rugby community.

“I’m disappointed with my actions because I recognise the seriousness of this situation,” he said at the time.

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Latu is due to be sentenced on June 14.

If convicted for the mid-range drink driving offence, Latu faces a maximum penalty of nine months in prison, a fine of $2220 and a lengthy licence suspension.

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