SECOND COCAINE BUST FOR SLIPPER
Reds prop banned for two months and fined for illicit drugs use
RUGBY UNION: Queensland Reds player and Wallaby James Slipper has recorded a second positive drugs test to cocaine and has been suspended for two months and fined $27,500.
He recorded his first positive test in February which remained confidential and then a second positive test this month.
Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle said Slipper, 28, was informed of the ban last Thursday at a tribunal hearing. Castle says she knew Slipper was experiencing difficulties in his personal life, but that there is no place for illicit drugs in sport.
“We are fully aware that James is dealing with very significant personal issues and we have been working with him since February on these matters,” she said.
“We are ensuring that James is receiving full help and support, including specialist medical treatment.”
In a statement Slipper said he had been suffering wellness issues including depression and had been receiving treatment for a number of months.
“The advice is that I will make a speedy and total recovery,” he said. “In no way do my personal circumstance excuse my actions, but I recognise now that I was not coping and that I need to properly address these wellness issues.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologise unreservedly to my family, the QRU, Rugby Australia, my teammates, coaches and all rugby supporters.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has continued to support me in this most difficult time and I fully intend to be be a better, more well-adjusted person. There is no place for illicit drugs in sport.”
The Reds will field one of the youngest lock pairings in Super Rugby history against the Highlanders.
Last week’s 38-34 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington prompted coach Brad Thorn to keep his team largely intact.
However, he says the time is right to unite 19-year-old Harry Hockings with four-Test veteran Izack Rodda. A standout Australian age group performer, Hockings will make his maiden Super Rugby start in Saturday’s match in Brisbane, relegating Wallaby Kane Douglas to the bench.
Thorn said the 206cm Hockings had done everything right in eight bench appearances since his debut in round three.
“Kane had a good game last week and he has been in strong form, but we felt the time was right to give Harry an opportunity to start,” Thorn said.
“He has been making great strides in his development and this is the next step for him.”
One other starting change is Izaia Perese’s on the wing for Filipo Daugunu.