Slipper ‘embarrassed’ about drugs ban ahead of return to field

SYDNEY: Testing positive for cocaine twice and being banned from rugby for two months had been embarrassing but it also allowed James Slipper to address his mental health issues, the Wallabies prop said as he prepares for a return to the field.

The 29-year-old tested positive for the drug on two separate occasions earlier this year.

He was given the minimum mandatory two-month ban in May and fined A$27,500 (RM82,800).

“I let a lot of people down and I couldn’t be more sorry for that and more embarrassed for what I’ve done,” a contrite Slipper told reporters ahead of his return to the field on Friday for a Super Rugby selection against the Wallabies.

“I’ve obviously gone through a bit of a rough patch and made some poor decisions and probably wasn’t coping with certain aspects of my life that I was going through at the time.

“At the end of the day it brought it to a head and I’ve addressed quite a few things and it’s probably something that’s going to have to stay with me for a while.”

The loosehead prop, who has won 86 caps for Australia, said in May that he had been battling depression but his enforced break had allowed him to confront his mental health issues.

“It forced me to actually have a real good look at myself and seek professional help,” he added.

“I was one of those blokes who didn’t want to talk, simple as that.

“I clearly was struggling a bit there but as soon as I opened up to my mum and my dad and told them I was struggling it kind of lifted a weight off the shoulders and I could really address the issues.”

Slipper’s ban ended on July 15 and he was named in the Queensland Country team for Australia’s third tier National Rugby Championship that starts on Sept 1.