London - Former South African rugby league star Jamie Bloem has been arrested in connection with a child sex investigation, police confirmed on Saturday.
Bloem, 41, captained South Africa during the 2000 rugby league World Cup and also had spells in England with Castleford Tigers, Halifax and Huddersfield Giants before taking up refereeing.
"A 41-year-old Halifax man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child in connection with an ongoing child protection investigation," a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.
"He has been bailed pending further inquiries."
Bloem, who also represented Scotland, was expected to break into the Super League's referees panel next season.