Blues Super Rugby centre Francis Saili will appear in court on Tuesday facing charges of driving while disqualified.

Saili will be stood down from the starting lineup as a form of punishment from the Blues when they face the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

The 22-year-old had previously lost his licence because of excessive demerit points.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said former New Zealand under-20 representative Saili has apologised to his teammates for what he described as a “dumb” decision last week to drive to an appointment when he was running late.

Saili has started in six of sevens games this season and came off the reserve bench in the other for a Blues side who are leading the New Zealand conference.

“Not starting against the Reds over there, when you’re playing as well as he is, we felt was fair,” Kirwan told reporters.

“He’s just a young man who did a silly thing … like I said to him, `We would have come and picked you up’.”

Saili’s alleged misdemeanour follows a court appearance on Monday by Hurricanes and All Blacks winger Julian Savea, who is charged with assaulting his partner.

Savea entered no plea and was further remanded on bail, with conditions including that he have no contact with his partner.

Former All Black Kirwan said rugby needs to play a role in guiding young players.

“Rugby players just highlight and reflect society,” he said.

“We need to keep addressing issues, alcohol issues, violence issues and we need to be advocates of the good side of things.

“I know that when I was a young man, I had great leadership from the elders (players) in the side and also the coaches, so we need to provide that.”