Stade Toulousain scrum-half Byron Kelleher was arrested and held in custody following a late night car crash while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Reports claim the 32-year-old tried to flee the scene of the accident but was caught by the other car's driver, and a fight then broke out.

"When the police intervened they saw that the motorist that had caused the crash was a famous rugby player," Toulouse prosecutor Michel Valet told AFP. "And it was clear that he had been taking alcohol," added Valet.

Top 14 Table 2009/10 / Top 14: The statistical story so far in 2009/10... / Top 14 Transfers / Top 14 Fixtures 2009/10 /

The New Zealand Herald reported that the former All Blacks scrum was so drunk he was unable to blow into the breathalyzer, and that the player was subsequently taken into custody to sober up.

Kelleher was believed to be travelling with friends, and the prosecutor confirmed that an investigation had now been launched into the fight which followed the crash.

At some stage Kelleher received injuries to a shoulder and eye socket, which it's believed could now sideline the former Top 14 Player of the Year for up to two months.

Stade Toulousain coach Guy Noves refused to be drawn on the incident, telling French reporters: "I prefer that all the facts come to light before I comment on this. Only then will we be able to have a better idea."

He did, however, confirm that Kelleher was out relaxing with friends after being given the weekend off following a hectic early-season schedule. The 57-Test veteran was driving back from a Toulouse bar with two friends when the accident happened shortly before 3am on Friday.

Prosecutor Valet said the fact Kelleher was unable to provide a breathalyzer specimen would not hinder the police investigation.

"It does not remove the problem," he said. "We will charge him with driving under a state of obvious intoxication. It's the same offence and there are the same penalties."

Kelleher also required hospital treatment on Friday, although the exact extent of his injuries remains unclear.

Stade Toulousain president René Bouscatel told rugbyrama he was stunned by the news. "I learned about it this morning [Friday] after leaving a meeting with the Mayor of Toulouse. I don't know any more yet, but I'll speak to Guy Noves for details about the health of Byron and the reality of the case."

Noves was equally hesitant. "Those involved in this incident have been summoned to give their version of events and are currently heard by the competent authorities. It is not for me to speak about this," he said.

But he added: "Byron had worked well all summer, since early July, and we decided to release him for the entire weekend. From what I know he had a small party, and we do not blame him for that."

Whatever the judicial outcome of this case it seems likely that Kelleher is set to miss a substantial chunk of rugby due to his injuries, which will be yet another concern for Noves in a season becoming increasingly blighted by enforced absences.

The Toulouse head coach is already having to do without the likes of David Skrela, Maleli Kunavore, Clément Poitrenaud and Maxime Médard. Kelleher had played in every game up until this weekend's home clash with SCA Albi and has been an integral cog within the Stade Toulousain wheel for two seasons now.

When a knee injury sidelined him midway through last season his absence was felt more than perhaps any other player, despite Toulouse having cover in the shape of Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Frédéric Michalak. However, the latter two have been sharing the fly-half berth this campaign - with Skrela expected to be absent until Christmas.

Noves will be aware that the Heineken Cup pool matches begin within a month and will now be highly concerned about not only his first choice half-back pairing, but also his strength of cover.