Wednesday 29 November 2017 15:57, UK
John Hardie has been banned for three months by Edinburgh after he was found guilty of gross misconduct during an internal investigation.
The Scotland flanker has been absent from the game since October and his ban will include the time he has already missed, making him eligible to return in the middle of January.
Edinburgh confirmed the suspension was part of "a range of sanctions" against the 29-year-old, who has 16 Scotland caps to his name.
"John has co-operated with the disciplinary process throughout," an Edinburgh spokesperson said.
"He has acknowledged the serious mistake he has made as a professional athlete and has accepted full responsibility for his conduct.
"It has been made clear that we are not prepared to tolerate the behaviour which caused this situation.
"Support will be provided to the player by Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby on a personal and professional level throughout the period of his suspension and going forward."
Hardie said: "I would like to apologise to everyone for putting myself in this situation.
"Through my actions I feel I have let my club, my teammates and the fans down. I want to acknowledge the support I have had from Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby in dealing with the issue.
"I am now focused on putting myself in the best possible position to be considered for selection again."
