Harrison suspended for eight months after admitting drug-related charges

RUGBY NEWS:FORMER ULSTER captain Justin Harrison has been suspended for eight months after admitting three drug-related charges at a private English Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing.

Harrison (35), who left Ravenhill at the end of the 2007-08 season to join Bath, 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 lock also admitted to shouting: “Class A, it’s okay, everyone’s doing it” in the vicinity of Bath’s academy players.

The suspension was back-dated to May 14th, the day Harrison resigned from Bath and withdrew from the Barbarians tour. He is banned from playing and coaching rugby until January 13th, 2010.

Three of Harrison’s former Bath team-mates – Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins – face similar charges later this month.

Harrison requested a separate hearing and in return agreed to abide by the judgment 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 10th, 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.”

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.

Controversy is nothing new for the abrasive 6ft 7in secondrow, who was the victim of Austin Healy’s famous newspaper column prior to the deciding Lions Test in 2001, when the English scrumhalf labelled him a “plank” and an “ape”. Harrison would have the last laugh, stealing a vital late lineout to deny Martin Johnson’s side a chance at a series victory.

Just before joining Ulster on a three-year deal in 2005, he admitted to a racist comment against Cats winger Chumani Booi while playing for the Waratahs. Suspended for three Super 12 matches, he also received a suspended €11,455 fine from a Sanzar judiciary committee.

Harrison earned 34 caps with Australia, playing in the 2003 World Cup final defeat to England, while the highlight of his time at Ravenhill came in their Magners League triumph in 2006. He also played 16 Heineken Cup games for the province.