Rugby star 'very contrite' as he's banned from driving

An international rugby player has been banned from driving after being caught using a mobile phone and speeding, a court heard.

Adam Hasting, 28, was spotted on 20 February last year using his phone by officers on Gloucestershire's A40 Golden Valley bypass.

Hastings, of Shurdington Road, Cheltenham, did not attend the hearing at Gloucestershire Magistrates' Court on Monday, but his lawyer pleaded guilty to both offences on Hastings' behalf.

Anton Balkitis, representing the rugby player, said: "He is very contrite and deeply apologetic about his driving."

Hastings, who has been capped 32 times by Scotland, is currently in his second spell with Glasgow Warriors, having previously played for Bath and Gloucester.

He already had six points on his licence after being caught speeding on two previous occasions in 2022 and 2023.

The court also heard the former Gloucester Rugby player had been caught speeding at 37mph in a 30mph zone in the North Kensington area of London on 8 June last year.

Scott Davies, prosecuting, told the court: "Officers in a marked patrol vehicle saw a grey Kia Sportage driving along the A40 northern bypass.

"As the car approached the Elmbridge Court roundabout, the vehicle was seen to weave left and right before moving across to the left lane.

"Police observed the driver holding the mobile phone and his mouth was seen to move up and down as if engaging in a conversation," he added.

Mr Balkitis said Hastings had only used the phone for about five seconds when he was caught and there was a "small amount of movement to one side".

"He is a high-profile professional rugby player. His father (Gavin Hastings) is also a well-known rugby player.

"There is no statement of means form. The reason is Mr Hastings wants this matter dealt with as discreetly as possible," he added.

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