21/07/2009 10:36 AM
Former Wallabies player Justin Harrison has been suspended for eight months after admitting three drug-related charges at a private Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing.
Harrison, 35, was suspended by RFU disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett for 'actions which are prejudicial to the interests of the game'.
Harrison admitted taking a prohibited substance during an end-of-season celebration in London and of subsequently failing to submit to a drugs test.
The former Australia international also admitted to shouting: 'Class A, it's OK, everyone's doing it' in the vicinity of Bath's academy players.
The suspension was back-dated to May 14, the day Harrison resigned from Bath and withdrew from the Barbarians tour.
He is banned from playing and coaching rugby until January 13, 2010.
Three of Harrison's former Bath team-mates - Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins - face similar charges at an RFU hearing later this month. All three vehemently deny any wrongdoing.
Harrison requested a separate hearing and in return agreed to abide by the judgement of the RFU's disciplinary officer.
Harrison said: "I wish to express my acceptance of my suspension by the RFU."
"I deeply regret the incidents of Sunday, May 10, 2009 and the subsequent damage to Bath Rugby Club and the game itself."
"My situation highlights the dangers to elite rugby players of excess drinking and illicit substances."
"Whether in season or out those dangers should be avoided."
"I am grateful for the opportunity to remain involved in the game and I fully intend to use my own experiences to educate younger players in the future."
Harrison has not been banned from all rugby-related activities because the charges related to an incident that was out of competition and therefore did not fall under the World Anti-Doping Agency code.
Harrison resigned from Bath four days after the trip to London on May 10 and two days after being told he had been implicated in allegations of drug-taking.
He flew back to London from Australia in order to attend the hearing, which took place on Thursday.
Harrison explained that joking about drug-taking had become commonplace at Bath following Matt Stevens' two-year suspension for taking cocaine, which he said had 'rocked' the club.
The comments about taking Class A drugs were made on the bus as the players travelled to London.
Harrison explained he had broken off from the rest of the Bath party and was not with any other players when he accepted the offer of drugs in a 'spur-of-the-moment decision'.
Later in the evening, Harrison linked up again with players from Bath and Harlequins where he became embroiled in a confrontation which led to him being punched in the face.
Two days later, Harrison was informed by Bath team manager Dave Guyan that he had been implicated in allegations of drug-taking and that he would be required to provide a sample for testing.
Harrison was ordered to the club on May 13 but did not show up and the following morning offered his resignation in a meeting with Bath chief executive Bob Calleja. Harrison had one year to run on his contract.
Harrison was 'extremely contrite' and delivered a 'very emotional statement' in which he had accepted the damage he had done to the reputation of the game, Bath and himself.
Harrison explained he had resigned immediately because it was the 'honourable thing to do' and chose not to contest the legitimacy of the required drugs test or the jurisdiction