IRELAND rugby star Neil Best, who has signed for Worcester Warriors for next season, has been given a 17-month ban for drink-driving.

Flanker Best was found to be almost twice the legal limit when breathalysed by police after he crashed his Audi A3 on the A512 at Thringstone, in Leicestershire, last month.

The 30-year-old, who currently plays for Northampton Saints, appeared at Coalville Magistrates' Court where he admitted the charge.

He was banned from driving for 17 months, fined £1,250 and ordered to pay £65 costs and a £15 surcharge.

The court heard Best had been out with friends on January 30, after watching Leicester City play Newcastle United at football.

His solicitor said he had been arguing with a friend on his mobile phone when the battery ran out and he decided to drive to their home to sort things out.

Best was found to have 69 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, nearly twice the legal limit.

Magistrate Stephen Bryan said: "We have taken your apology for your behaviour into account and your previous good character.

"However, you are an international sporting star and we expect somebody in your position to be setting a better example."

Best, of Boughton, agreed to go on a drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.