Former New Zealand Warriors second-row Wairangi Koopu has been named as the television celebrity facing multiple drug possession charges.

It comes as his name suppression order was lifted with ‘immediate effect’ on Wednesday by Justice Graham Lang.

The 44-year-old, who hails from the Bay of Plenty, had been charged in October for allegedly possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

He had also been charged with allegedly participating in an organised criminal group and conspiring to deal a Class A drug.

It is understood that the offences could carry a potential 14-year prison sentence if he is found guilty under New Zealand law, according to The Economic Times.

Koopu had successfully appealed against his name being revealed in court documents after the charges were first filed in October 2024 – but that order has since been lifted.

Former New Zealand Warriors player Wairangi Koopu is facing charges for allegedly dealing cocaine

The Warriors star, who also represented New Zealand, was named on Wednesday in court documents after a name suppression order had been lifted 

He reportedly faces 14 years behind bars if found guilty and has been charged with allegedly participating in an organised criminal group and conspiring to deal a Class A drug

Born in Opotiki in 180, Koopu began playing rugby league for Taniwharau Rugby League in Huntly.

The New Zealand International would go on to join the Warriors and made his NRL debut for the club in 1999 before going on to make 159 appearances.

The Second-row was also a part of the team that lost the 2002 Grand Final to the Sydney Roosters coming off the bench during the match.

Koopu would also go on to make international three appearances for New Zealand and four for New Zealand Maori before he was released by the Warriors in 2008.

He’d spend one final season with Melbourne Storm, winning the 2009 Grand Final before hanging up his boots.

In recent years, Koopu has appeared on several television shows including The Crowd Goes Wild as a presenter and reporter and a host on The Road to Te Matatini.

In 2024, the 44-year-old had also appeared on the reality show Celebrity Treasure Island.