HARDIE BACK IN TRAINING AFTER HIS SUSPENSION

JOHN HARDIE is back in training with Edinburgh Rugby following his three-month suspension for alleged cocaine use and will be available to play from January 19. If he impresses head coach Richard Cockerill, the 29-year-old back-row could yet come into contention for the Challenge Cup match with Stade Francais the day after. New Zealand-born Hardie, who has 16 Scotland caps, could then be available for Six Nations selection — although it is not yet known if head coach Gregor Townsend would be open to his return. Edinburgh assistant coach Duncan Hodge said: ‘John has been back the last two days. There was no awkwardness on his return. I can only speak personally, but it’s great to see him back training. ‘He’s not been with us for the last month, so it’s good to have him back, albeit he can’t be selected until the 19th. ‘From his point of view, it’s great to be back training and to be able to get him fit. It’s just been straight back into training for him and he certainly looks in good shape.’ Meanwhile, Mark Bennett finally looks set to make his long-awaited Edinburgh debut in the Pro14 match with Southern Kings at Myreside on Friday night. Bennett, 24, joined Edinburgh from Glasgow Warriors in the summer and, at that stage, was already a few months into a rehab programme following cruciate-ligament reconstruction. The centre came close to appearing for the capital side for the first time in the 1872 Cup double header but hit a snag in his recovery. ‘He’s been fit and available to play for the last ten days, so definitely (he is available for selection),’ said Hodge. ‘Mark’s a quality player, so hopefully he’ll be back in the mix.’