Slipper banned for cocaine use

AUSTRALIA prop James Slipper has been banned for two months after twice testing positive for cocaine.

The Queensland Reds front row, 28, said he had been suffering depression and “recognises now that I was not coping”.

Slipper, capped 86 times for the Wallabies, was fined £15,000 and given the minimum mandatory suspension in Rugby Australia’s illicit drugs policy.

“We are extremely disappointed to be in this position today,” said RA chief executive Raelene Castle.

“James has expressed his sincere remorse. We are fully aware that he is dealing with very significant personal issues and we have been working with him since February on these matters.”