Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Zac Guildford has won 11 caps for New Zealand, the most recent in 2012

Three rugby players, including a New Zealand international, showed their prowess off the field when they chased and apprehended an alleged shoplifter.

Former New Zealand winger Zac Guildford and Hawke's Bay team-mates Ryan Tongia and Chris Eaton were at a restaurant in Napier on Tuesday, when they saw a man run out of a nearby clothing store.

Former Clermont Auvergne player Guildford told New Zealand television station TV3 external-link that Australian former rugby league player Tongia chased the alleged thief 200m down the road.

"Tongia set off in his perfect running style like he was off catching a ball, it was pretty impressive to watch," said the 26-year-old, who also gave chase.

"He grabbed him by the hood and said, 'Hey mate, listen, you better stop here.'"