Former NZ Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei appears to have been released from prison, posting on social media.
Vatuvei, 37, was granted parole earlier this month after serving less than half of his three-year sentence for importing methamphetamine.
Posting on Instagram, Vatuvei filmed himself being driven in a car, laughing.
Upon release, his special conditions will include not using or possessing drugs or alcohol and not communicating with any gang members or his brother, unless under prior approval.
Brother Lopini Mafi is currently serving seven years and two months in prison for his part in the operation, which was described as a leading role.
Vatuvei, nicknamed 'The Beast', played 226 games for the Warriors, scoring a record 152 tries. He represented New Zealand in 29 tests and played two for Mate Ma'a Tonga before persistent injuries saw him retire in 2017.
Two years later, Vatuvei became a fan favourite on Dancing with the Stars and went on to win the competition.
He initially maintained his innocence of the drug charges, saying in the Instagram post: "In 2019, I was charged with importation, possession and supply of methamphetamine.
"All these charges are accusations and I'll be fighting my innocence for all these charges."
But in October, he admitted importing the Class A drug, pleading guilty to one representative charge of methamphetamine importation.
Vatuvei is expected to return to the Warriors in a mentorship role after chief executive Cameron George told Newshub others could learn from his experience.
"If we can use the lessons he has learned to make better futures for young aspiring athletes, that's important for the NZ sporting landscape," George said.
