Former All Black Byron Kelleher may face charges over an alleged drunken incident in the southern French city of Toulouse, where he is now based.

Details have emerged of a minor car accident that ended in a brawl and injury for Kelleher in the early hours of Friday.

The incident was triggered when Kelleher allegedly collided with another car but denied responsibility for the accident and drove off.

He was pursued by the occupants of the other car a short distance and an argument erupted, New Zealand's Herald on Sunday reported.

When two other motorists got involved, a fight broke out and Kelleher was reportedly knocked unconscious for a few moments.

He was treated at a hospital for a fracture to a bone in his face and shoulder pain.

He could be on the sidelines in France's Top 14 competition for up to two months.

Kelleher was arrested and held in custody for some hours.

French police allege Kelleher, 32, had been drinking before the incident.

Toulouse prosecutor Michel Valet said officers were investigating whether to lay charges.

"When the police intervened, they saw that the motorist that had caused the crash was a famous rugby player," Valet said. "And it was clear that he had been drinking."

Toulouse manager Guy Noves said the club would have to make further inquiries before deciding on any action against Kelleher.

Kelleher joined Toulouse after the All Blacks' failed 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.

He became an overnight hit with the high-flying club's fervent fans after helping inspire the team to the Top 14 title last year.

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