Former All Blacks scrum-half Byron Kelleher has apologised for his involvement in a drink-fuelled scuffle following a road accident.

Kelleher, who plays for French Top 14 side Toulouse, was arrested after the crash and fracas in the early hours of last Friday morning. The 32-year-old was released from custody later the same day.

In an interview with French newspaper La Depeche du Midi on Thursday he said: "When you make a mistake you have to own up to it, to have the courage to square up to it and say sorry."

Kelleher, who injured his shoulder and right eye in the incident, added: "Our cars collided. It should never have escalated like it did. I got stupidly angry, due for sure to drink. I was mixing with the wrong types."

He added: "I don't want people in Toulouse to believe I'm proud of what happened, I have different values than that."

Kelleher hopes to be fit enough to start training again next week.

"If the doctors give me the green light I hope to be back playing quickly. After that it's up to Guy Noves (Toulouse manager) to decide on my return to the team."

Kelleher and two others are due in court to answer charges relating to drink driving and violent behaviour in Toulouse on October 28.

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