The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Scotland star banned after investigation
Edinburgh and Scotland back rower John Hardie will be suspended until mid-january after the completion of an internal investigation by Scottish Rugby.
New Zealand-born Hardie was initially suspended in the middle of October after allegations thought to relate to the use of recreational drugs, believed to be cocaine.
Scottish Rugby have still not confirmed the reasons other than describing the player’s actions as “gross misconduct”.
Yesterday a statement from Murrayfield confirmed that following the investigation and “as part of a range of sanctions” Hardie was suspended for three months, back-dated to his initial suspension.
He will be free to play again for Edinburgh Rugby in the middle of January. Hardie is out of contract at the end of the current season.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Rugby said in the statement: “John has co-operated with the disciplinary process throughout.
“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 is quoted in the statement apologising for his actions.
“I would like to apologise to everyone for putting myself in this situation,” he states.
“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.”
Hardie joined Edinburgh after the World Cup in 2015, having come from his native New Zealand to play for Scotland due to having grandparents from Fife.
He has 16 caps for Scotland, the last against Fiji in Suva in June. He played in two matches during the Six Nations championship before suffering injury.