Justin Harrison banned for eight months
By AFP, 21 Jul 2009 AFP is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- bath rugby, drugs, Justin Harrison, Rugby Union
Former Australia and Bath lock Justin Harrison has been handed an eight-month suspension after admitting three drug-related charges at a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing on Monday.
The 35-year-old 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, and 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.
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- Explore:
- bath rugby, drugs, Justin Harrison, Rugby Union
pothale said | July 21st 2009 @ 8:37am | Report comment
Not really surprising news. The speed with which he hightailed it out of England spoke volumes.
Will be interesting to see what outcome of the other three is going to be.
Dean Pantio said | July 21st 2009 @ 9:19am | Report comment
Mandatory two year ban is now eight months?
Who Needs Melon said | July 21st 2009 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
What a plank.
“Class A, it’s OK, everyone’s doing it” shows a kind of belittling familiarity with the drugs, the system, the club – everything.
Here’s a guy who’s always had a fair bit of ‘mongrel’ in him. Trouble is he fails the ‘no dickheads’ policy.
Justin said | July 21st 2009 @ 1:07pm | Report comment
I think as it was out of competition Dean it is not the mandatory 2 year ban. Could be wrong though…
Jameswm said | July 21st 2009 @ 1:18pm | Report comment
Who Needs – it looks like in this case your chosen name is right on the money! We don’t need him at all if that’s what he’s like!
Spencer said | July 21st 2009 @ 4:03pm | Report comment
Jameswm – Melon = Justin Harrison????
Good question from Dean; anyone know why it isn’t the 2 years?
Rah Rah Rasputin said | July 21st 2009 @ 4:03pm | Report comment
Forget for one moment what an ass his is, but what are the odds he ends up at the Tahs next year?
i wouldn’t be surprised if it has probably already been organised on a handshake.
The Link said | July 21st 2009 @ 4:30pm | Report comment
A relative slap on the wrist, 9 months, what is the RFU thinking?
The punishment would be very different if it was in Australia.
And the three other players? Dare I say it a culture of drug taking at Bath?
But this stuff apparently only happens in Rugby League….
jools-usa said | July 21st 2009 @ 9:16pm | Report comment
Hey, it was not during playing days. His season was over.
Still admire “The Plod”……………..Never forget his lineout steal in third
Lions test.
Jools-USA
Steffy said | July 21st 2009 @ 9:28pm | Report comment
He refused a drugs test. The ban is for “actions which are prejudicial to the interests of the game”. Happily the UK press have mostly decided that this story and the Harlequins RU cheating scandal are not worth reporting on much.