Karmichael Hunt has been spared the axe by the Australian and Queensland rugby bosses and is poised to be back in the Super Rugby competition early next month after being hit with a six-week suspension.
Hunt was fined $30,000 by the ARU and QRU in addition to the $2,500 fine handed down by the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday morning for cocaine possession.
The code-hopping superstar escaped a conviction after pleading guilty to four counts of possession of a dangerous drug and his sporting future became clearer just a few hours later.
Slapped with a six-week suspension, Hunt will be eligible for selection against the Melbourne Rebels in round eight on April 3.
He had already been stood down for three games and given the Reds have a round-six bye, Hunt will only miss another two matches – at home to the Brumbies and Lions.
Hunt has also been stripped of the Reds vice-captaincy and will undergo a drug treatment and rehabilitation program.
Hunt, who has not played since Queensland’s Super Rugby opener on February 13, will remain barred from rejoining his teammates at team training sessions until the Monday before the Rebels game.
He has already been banned from using the facilities at Ballymore when other players are present.
In a joint statement issued by the ARU and the QRU, ARU boss Bill Pulver said he was “extremely disappointed” in Hunt’s actions.
“However we acknowledge that he is sincerely remorseful and has cooperated with the investigation and our integrity enquiries throughout this process,” Pulver said.
“Karmichael has also accepted the penalty and consequences of his actions and understands the requirements of a professional athlete and the expectations of our code.”
QRU chief Jim Carmichael said the use of illicit substances was regarded as a “welfare issue” by Australian professional sporting codes.
“Each individual will have their own perspective and opinion on this issue and this specific case based on their personal life experience,” he said.
“In arriving at these penalties we have all been acutely mindful of our responsibilities to sport and the wider community, as well as the long-term interests of the game, our stakeholders and our fans.”
Hunt said he made a “terrible mistake” that he had nobody but himself to blame for.
“I am genuinely sorry for the distress I have caused my family, friends, team mates, Reds members, sponsors, fans and the wider Rugby and sporting community in Queensland and beyond,” he said.
“I intend to work through the education and rehabilitation program and will return to the game in a way that sends a clear message to sports fans of all ages that the use of illicit substances has no place in sport.
“I am grateful for the support I have received from Queensland Rugby over the past few weeks and intend to repay their loyalty through my future actions on and off the field.”
