Retired rugby league star, Manu Vatuvei (35) faces a lengthy prison sentence in New Zealand, after he pleaded guilty on Wednesday, to the importation of methamphetamine there.

He appeared in a courtroom at Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand, with his lawyer, the New Zealand Herald reported. He was listed in court documents by his full name, Manu Mapuhola Mafi-Vatuvei.

Judge Jonathan Moses, who presided over the proceeding allowed Manu to remain free on bail with tight curfew restriction until he will be sentenced in December.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

It was reported that prior to this 6 October case, Manu had been charged with the importing, possessing and supplying of methamphetamine in September, October and November 2019.

“Prosecutors intend to drop the additional allegations at sentencing in lieu of Wednesday’s plea to the representative charge.”

Between 2004 and 2017 Manu played 226 games and scored 152 tries for the Warriors. He was selected for 29 Tests for New Zealand, and two games for the Mate Ma’a Tonga.

He retired from professional Rugby League due to injury in 2017.