Brad Takairangi stood down by Hull KR

Brad Takairangi has been stood down by Hull KR, head coach Tony Smith has revealed.

Smith held his press conference this afternoon with a reporter from Hull Live confirming the news on the Robins’ centre.

“We as a club have decided to stand him down until his hearing,” Smith said.

“We need to do something there and recognise the situation that Brad is in – we have to make sure to do the best by him as well.

“Sometimes that’s why removing people from situations where they may not be able to be their best is necessary.

“Brad understands and, as he has done since his incident, has been in admittance of his situation and is not shying away from his responsibility of it.”

Takairangi had previously admitted to dangerously driving his car on the A63 after consuming a significant amount of alcohol, Hull Magistrates Court revealed last week

The former Parramatta Eels star was found to have had an alcohol level more than twice the legal limit which led to him colliding with a police vehicle and in the process causing injury to a police officer, the court heard.

District Judge Mark Daley told Takairangi that given the manner in which he was driving, the consequences of his actions “could have been way worse”.

Judge Daley said Takairangi’s offence was so serious that he would need to be sent to Hull Crown Court for committal for sentence – he will be sentenced on March 31.

Hull KR previously released a statement on the matter, saying: “Hull KR have been made aware by the player and his legal representative of allegations brought against him by Humberside Police.

“The matter is under review by the club and will be dealt with internally.

“There will be no further comment at this stage from the club or player.”