Get Newsletter

Edinburgh ban kilted Kiwi

He is under investigation by the Scottish Rugby Union.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 29-year-old New Zealand-born back row forward – who qualifies for the Scots through a Scottish grandmother – would have been a cornerstone of the squad for the Tests with Samoa, world champions New Zealand and Australia in November.

However, the SRU issued a statement declaring his non-availability without specifying the precise nature of the alleged offence.

"Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh confirm Scotland international and Edinburgh forward, John Hardie, has been suspended from duty pending an internal investigation," read the statement.

"As a result the player will not be available for selection for Edinburgh, or the Scotland National Team.

"It is normal practice with such matters that we are unable to comment further given the nature of the investigation."

He is the second Edinburgh player to be suspended in a week with club captain Marcus Bradbury being disciplined over a head injury he suffered on a night out a fortnight ago.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hardie has been capped 16 times since making his debut in 2015 which included some sparkling displays in that year's World Cup.

His absence adds to Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend's problems as he is already without captain and kicker Greig Laidlaw and hooker Fraser Brown.

Agence France-Presse

Join free

Bristol Bears vs Gloucester-Hartpury | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Edinburgh vs Brython | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Write A Comment