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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| James O'Connor and Ali Williams held on Paris cocaine charge | James O'Connor and Ali Williams held on Paris cocaine charge |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Two former rugby internationals, New Zealander Ali Williams and Australian James O'Connor, have been arrested in Paris on drugs charges. | Two former rugby internationals, New Zealander Ali Williams and Australian James O'Connor, have been arrested in Paris on drugs charges. |
| The pair were caught buying cocaine near the Champs Elysees avenue at around 03:00 (02:00 GMT) on Saturday morning, police sources said. | The pair were caught buying cocaine near the Champs Elysees avenue at around 03:00 (02:00 GMT) on Saturday morning, police sources said. |
| Williams, 35, plays for Racing 92 and O'Connor, 26, is at Toulon. | Williams, 35, plays for Racing 92 and O'Connor, 26, is at Toulon. |
| Last October two other New Zealanders playing for Racing 92 were cleared of doping charges. | Last October two other New Zealanders playing for Racing 92 were cleared of doping charges. |
| The side are current champions of French rugby. | The side are current champions of French rugby. |
| Two dealers are also in custody. | Two dealers are also in custody. |
| Racing 92 said in a statement (in French) that it had suspended Williams "temporarily". | Racing 92 said in a statement (in French) that it had suspended Williams "temporarily". |
| "If the investigation confirmed the possession of cocaine and the transaction, it would not only be against the law but also a serious breach of our ethics," the club said. | "If the investigation confirmed the possession of cocaine and the transaction, it would not only be against the law but also a serious breach of our ethics," the club said. |
| Williams earned 77 New Zealand caps between 2002 and 2012. | Williams earned 77 New Zealand caps between 2002 and 2012. |
| O'Connor has made 44 appearances for Australia between 2008 and 2013. | O'Connor has made 44 appearances for Australia between 2008 and 2013. |