Hardie banned over alleged cocaine use

LONDON: Edinburgh and Scotland flanker John Hardie has been handed a three-month suspension for gross misconduct following an internal investigation amid reports of alleged cocaine use.

The forward will be unable to play until mid-January, with the suspension backdated to his initial ban, which started in October.

The Scotland international, 29, was expected to be a part of Gregor Townsend’s squad for the autumn internationals but was forced to miss out following the incident and confirmation of his ban makes it unlikely that he will start next year’s Six Nations.

“I would like to apologise to everyone for putting myself in this situation,” said Hardie.

“Through my actions I feel I have let my club, my teammates and the fans down. I am now focused on putting myself in the best possible position to be considered for selection again.”

“John has cooperated with the disciplinary process throughout,” said an Edinburgh spokesman.

“He has acknowledged the serious mistake he has made as a professional athlete and has accepted full responsibility for his conduct. It has been made clear that we are not prepared to tolerate the behaviour which caused this situation.

“Support will be provided to the player by Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby on a personal and professional level throughout the period of his suspension and going forward.”