A South African rugby player in Bermuda for the World Rugby Classic admitted to driving drunk Saturday evening.

Thirty-two-year-old Frikkie du Plooy is part of the Classic Springboks, who are playing in 20th annual World Rugby Classic. It is his first time on the Island.

The Springboks won the 2004 and 2005 tournaments and have been tipped as favourites to walk away with this year's trophy. They have already reached the semi-final stage after defeating Canada 12-0 on Tuesday evening.

Though there was no official party organised Saturday evening, du Plooy, who plays the lock position, was seen driving without a helmet in Southampton at 9.30 p.m. Police officers stopped him and advised him that it was illegal to ride without a helmet. They watched as the defendant rode off and noticed he was swerving into oncoming traffic and appeared unsteady on his rental bike.

They stopped him again and he admitted to driving under the influence.

Flanked by teammates yesterday, a contrite du Plooy explained that he has never been in trouble with the law or prosecuted for drunk driving in South Africa. He was fined $1,000 and cannot drive on Bermuda's roads for a year.

It's not the first time Police have dealt with players at the tournament.

In 2005, a Classic All Black player was arrested for breaking and entering a home in Hamilton after a heavy night of drinking. He mistakenly thought he was staying at the home and the residents chose not to press charges after the man paid for damages he made to their property.