Australia international James Slipper faces ban for cocaine use

Australia international James Slipper has been banned for two months after he was tested positive for cocaine twice.

The 28-year-old was also fined £15,000 apart from the suspension as he returned a positive test in February and then another earlier this month. Following the submissions made by Rugby Australia and Queensland Reds, it is understood that Slipper used the drugs to deal with a year-long period of depression.

"We are extremely disappointed to be in this position today," said RA chief executive Raelene Castle.

"James has expressed his sincere remorse. We are fully aware that he is dealing with very significant personal issues and we have been working with him since February on these matters."

Slipper has made 86 Test appearances for Australia since making his debut in 2010 but his last association for the Wallabies came in December 2016 against England.

"I have been suffering wellness issues, including depression, for a year and have been receiving professional assistance for the last few months," said Slipper, who returned two positive tests for cocaine taken from urine samples between February and May 2018.

"In no way do my personal circumstances excuse my actions but I recognise now that I was not coping and that I need to properly address these wellness issues."