Toulouse No.8 Finau Maka has been arrested and subsequently released by police investigating a charge of "modern slavery", judicial sources reported.

The Tongan backrower was placed in police custody on Tuesday evening, and released after being interviewed in connection with the charge on Wednesday afternoon.

Investigating magistrate Michel Valet told AFP: "I received a complaint lodged for modern slavery and dated April 29 in the name of a person who said they were a victim (of Maka). I ordered a police investigation, there are still inquiries to be made, the investigation is continuing."

According to reports on French newspaper Le Parisien's website Maka was questioned on the conditions in which he had employed and lodged a Tunisian national.

Maka, 33, won the European Cup last Saturday despite not actually playing for Toulouse in the final in his last season for the team.

He was one of the personalities of the 2007 World Cup with his distinctive afro and combative style of play.

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