Danny Care

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has been banned from driving for 16 months and fined £3,000 after pleading guilty to drink-driving.

The 25-year-old was stopped by police on New Year’s Day and tested over the legal limit.

“I do accept that I made a very bad decision on the evening in question and need to take the punishment that the courts hand out,” Care said in a statement after the incident.

“I have decided not to contest the charge as I want to bring this to a close swiftly rather than have it hanging over my head for a year or more.

“I would stress though that at no time did I think I had drunk enough to be over the legal limit. However, I should not have got into the car and have to accept the consequences of that action.”

He was also dropped from the England squad following the incident, which was the second arrest within a month – the other being for drunk and disorderly.

“I am devastated not to be selected for the Elite Player Squad for the Six Nations as I felt I had been playing near the top of my game with Quins,” he added.

“However, I wish the team, and the other number 9s who come in to play, the best of luck as playing for your country is the highest honour in the game and I will miss it hugely.

“It’s now up to me to get my head down, keep playing well and learn from my actions.”