Former Wallabies captain George Smith has been sacked by his top-tier Japanese rugby club over an alleged assault of a taxi driver on New Year's Eve.
The 37-year-old flanker was arrested after he allegedly fled without paying his $110 fare and then hit the driver who chased him.
Smith — who played 111 tests for Australia — spent 18 days in custody but prosecutors decided not to indict him.
His club, the premiership-winning Suntory Sungoliath, has now cancelled his contract.
It described the incident as a grave matter despite the fact Smith had not been prosecuted.
"In addition to the victim and those involved, we sincerely apologise to the many people to whom we have caused trouble," the club said in a statement.
The club has promised to educate players and team staff to avoid any similar situations in the future.
