Tongan back-rower Finau Maka has been found not guilty of exploiting an illegal immigrant by a French court.
The former Toulouse No.8 was alleged to have kept a young Tunisian man in unacceptable conditions, with the complaint against him termed 'modern slavery' prior to his acquittal.
"It's a big relief to get it out of the way and to be able to get on with my life," Maka told AFP. "I am totally relieved, my name has been cleared, the last couple of months have been hectic for both me and my family. I am just overwhelmed."
Maka was arrested in the wake of Toulouse's Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz in May, a game that he was forced to miss due to a broken cheekbone.
Initial reports suggested that he had been keeping the illegal immigrant at his home to perform various tasks including the renovation and upkeep of the house.