Hardie gets three-month suspension
But SRU won’t say why
JohN hARDiE has been hit with a three-month ban for ‘gross misconduct’ by Edinburgh — although there was no clarity offered by either his club or the SRU on the exact nature of his misdemeanour.
the Scotland flanker was initially suspended back in october while an investigation was held, reportedly into alleged cocaine use. however, when asked by Sportsmail to clarify what the disciplinary issue was, both the club and the player’s representatives refused to comment.
Now, after a process stretching over four weeks, there seems no inclination for transparency — with yesterday’s statement merely confirming that ‘a range of sanctions’ had been available but that a threemonth suspension, backdated to the end of october, was deemed sufficient.
the 29-year-old could now return to play for Edinburgh in January, potentially putting him in contention for a place in gregor townsend’s squad for the 2018 Six Nations, which kicks off in February.
‘i would like to apologise to everyone for putting myself in this situation,’ said hardie in the statement released yesterday.
‘through my actions i feel i have let my club, my teammates and the fans down. i want to acknowledge the support i have had from Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby in dealing with the issue.
‘i am now focused on putting myself in the best possible position to be considered for selection again.’
the statement confirming his suspension, released by the SRU, did not go into specifics surrounding the investigation.
‘John has co-operated with the disciplinary process throughout,’ it read.
‘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.’
hardie made a sensational start to his Scotland career back in 2015 after being a surprise inclusion in Vern Cotter’s 2015 World Cup squad.
he made his mark during Scotland’s campaign in England before joining Edinburgh.
however, since then, his influence has been on the wane, especially with the rise of fellow flanker hamish Watson for both club and country.
hardie has made just three Scotland appearances this year, the last against Fiji in the summer.
it remains to be seen what his long-term future will be, with Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill noted for his hardline stance in disciplinary matters.
the Englishman has already stripped Magnus Bradbury of the captaincy this season after he suffered a head knock following a night out — and made clear he expected high standards to be maintained by his players as he tries to turnaround the club’s fortunes.