Thames Valley Police confirmed that they arrested a 29-year-old Gloucestershire man on the M4 near Newbury in Berkshire at 10.55am on Saturday.

The man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and bailed, with orders to return to a police station on April 29.

Police would not confirm reports that it was Tindall, who plays centre for Gloucester, who was arrested.

The player was seen the night before, enjoying champagne with his girlfriend, the queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips, at a private party at Cheltenham, the Sun newspaper reported.

He was not in the team for England's Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday afternoon after suffering a serious liver injury during his team's clash with Grand Slam winners Wales.

But he was due to appear in a TV commentary slot at the Twickenham Stadium and is thought to have been making his way there when he was stopped by police.

A spokesman for Gloucester Rugby later said: "We are aware of a police incident involving Mike Tindall on Saturday.

"Until the full facts have been established neither the player nor the club will be making any further comment at this time."