A lawyer representing former All Black Jerry Collins has confirmed the rugby star has been arrested in Japan after being found with a knife at a store.
Reports say Collins caught a security guard's attention when he went behind a sales counter and, when approached, pulled the 17-centimetre blade out of his pocket and placed it on the counter.
It is illegal to have weapons with blades longer than 15 centimetres without police permission in Japan.
Lawyer Tim Castle says he is looking into reports that Collins said he had the knife for self-defence.
Mr Castle says he may hear more from Japan overnight.
The Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry says it is aware of the arrest and is offering Collins consular assistance and support, but won't comment any further at this stage.
