Harrison suspended for eight months

Former Ulster captain Justin Harrison has been suspended for eight months for a drugs-related incident at Bath Rugby's post-season celebrations in May.

Harrison resigned from his contract at Bath and hot-footed it back to Australia as he was rumoured to be involved in taking a prohibited substance and of subsequently failing to submit to a drugs test.

Harrison requested a separate hearing from three clubmates accused at the same incident and in return agreed to abide by the judgement of the RFU’s disciplinary officer.

"I wish to express my acceptance of my suspension by the RFU," he said. "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."

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 later this month.