Pasifika Richmond forward Mykelti Lefau has apologised, and says he is "deeply embarrassed" after being charged by police for drink driving over the weekend.

The Tigers have issued Lefau, 27, a two match suspension in addition to requirements to undergo alcohol behavioural change counselling following the incident at the weekend.

He'll miss Richmond's round one match against Carlton and the club's preseason fixture against Melbourne in Ballarat this Friday.

Lefau is due to front his teammates on Tuesday, and will also make a $2,500 donation to a relevant charity.

"I made a really poor choice, and I am deeply embarrassed by what has taken place," Lefau said.

"It is unacceptable by any standard and it won't happen again. I apologise to my Club, my teammates and our fans."

On Monday morning, reports emerged Lefau had allegedly blown double the legal limit after being stopped by police in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Richmond confirmed on Monday afternoon Lefau has lost his driver's licence for 10 months.

Speaking to media on Monday, Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said Lefau is "incredibly remorseful" and "ashamed", adding the club were frustrated to have first learned of the incident via media requests made to them on Monday.

The delay was taken into consideration in landing on the sanction imposed.

"We think we've made a strong statement here against that behavior," Dunne told reporters.

Richmond had spoken to the league and AFL Players' Association on Monday as well as their executive, board and player leadership group.

Lefau has been "exemplary in his time here", Dunne said, but despite it being his first mistake "that doesn't excuse of that type of behavior".

"We can't accept the severity of this," Dunne said.

"Mykelti is completely aware of the issue. He's already paid his fine to the police. He's wanting to own the actions that he's taken and then go about building the trust of his teammates," Dunne later added.

In a statement via the club, Dunne said the club were "extemely disappointed" with Lefau's actions which put both himself and other members of the community at risk.

No other Richmond players were with Lefau on the night, Dunne said.

The Tigers will support Lefau and his wellbeing.

Since arriving at Punt Road from Melbourne's VFL affiliate, Lefau has played 11 AFL games for the Tigers.

The Aotearoa-born rugby league convert became an instant success in his debut year, booting 14 goals from 10 games - often as the Tigers' number one target inside fifty, before major injury setbacks.

He signed a two-year extension following the 2024 season.