Hooker Tolu Latu brought back into Waratahs squad following drink driving incident

After serving a two-match ban for failing to tell Waratahs officials he’d been busted for drink driving, Tolu Latu is back in the side.

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Waratahs boy Tolu Latu has been rushed back into the NSW squad for Saturday night’s must-win clash with the Brumbies just hours after pleading guilty to drink driving.

The feisty hooker has been in the doghouse after he failed to tell the Waratahs he’d been nicked for recording an alcohol reading of 0.135, almost three times above the limit, and driving without a licence.

Rugby officials only found out about his run in with the cops by The Daily Telegraph, and were not impressed, booting him out of an Australian World Cup training squad and suspending him for two Waratahs matches.

But his ban was lifted on Thursday after he underwent rehabilitation and pleaded guilty in court, with the case adjourned until June 14.

“While he is still subject to potential Code of Conduct processes pending the outcome of his sentencing, Tolu will be available for selection for the NSW Waratahs until such time,” NSW Rugby Union chief executive Andrew Hore said.

Waratahs and Wallabies star Tolu Latu copped a two-match suspension following his drink driving incident but is back in the Waratahs squad to face the Brumbies. Picture: Getty Images

“While NSW Rugby Union does not condone this behaviour, we will be sure to also provide support to Tolu as he works through personal issues.”

Capped 12 times by the Wallabies, Latu already has a long history of ill-discipline on the field and only recently returned from a six-game suspension, fitter than ever and promising to be on his behaviour.

At his best, he is a formidable physical presence on the field which is why Waratahs’ coach Daryl Gibson is so keen to get him back, with the Waratahs needing to win to have any hope of sneaking into the playoffs.

“He’s served his two-match suspension, he’s taken his drink driver education courses, he’s sought counselling,” Gibson said.

Latu’s recall could enhance his chances of getting back in the good books with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who has made it clear he won’t tolerate brain snaps on and off the field but has a history of forgiving players if it can help Australia win the World Cup.

“Obviously, he hasn’t played a great deal of rugby this year due to suspension so we’re obviously keen to give him that opportunity, bearing in mind there is a World Cup coming up,” Gibson said.

Tolu was found slumped behind the wheel in Sydney at 4.30am one morning last month.

He was stood down after the news became public and Rugby Australia’s Integrity Unit launched an investigation into his actions.