Powell banned over drink-drive buggy prank

(GETTY IMAGES)

Wales international rugby star Andy Powell was banned from driving for 15 months today after pleading guilty to driving a golf buggy while unfit through drink.

Powell, 28, was arrested at a motorway service station at junction 33 of the M4 hours after Wales had beaten Scotland in a Six Nations clash.

He was taken into custody with another man in the early hours of February 14 near the Wales team hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Powell's arrest and the subsequent publicity surrounding the incident saw him dropped from the Wales team the following day.

The player pleaded guilty when he made his first appearance at Cardiff Magistrates' Court this morning.

His lawyer Conrad Gadd told the court he had already admitted he had been "foolish", adding: "He is regretful that any young boy who may see him as a hero might think this behaviour is acceptable and he wants to make it plain that it isn't."

As well as the 15-month ban, Powell was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victims surcharge.