Updated January 19, 2018 19:07:06

Photo: George Smith made 111 Test appearances for the Wallabies. (AAP Image: Dean Lewins)

Former Wallabies rugby great George Smith has been released from detention in Japan, but prosecutors say investigations into his alleged drunken assault of a Tokyo taxi driver are continuing.

Smith, who played 111 Tests for Australia, has been charged with robbery resulting in bodily injury, which allegedly occurred on December 31 last year.

He has denied the charges.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police allege Smith took a taxi near his house in Fuchu city just after midnight and ran away without paying the 9,830 yen ($110) fare.

They allege that after the 58-year-old driver caught up with him, 37-year-old Smith assaulted him.

He was released from detention yesterday, but prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing.

Smith now plays for top-tier Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.

His club — which won this season's premiership — cancelled its victory parade over the incident.

Topics: law-crime-and-justice, sport, rugby-union, japan

First posted January 19, 2018 17:58:55