Karmichael Hunt receives four-match suspension and fine

Wallabies and Reds utility back Karmichael Hunt has been fined AUS$10,000 and received a four-match suspension following his arrest in Brisbane in December.

Hunt was the subject of criminal proceedings in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty on separate charges of possessing a dangerous drug (Alprazolam) and contravening a Police direction. He was fined AUS$300 by the court for each offence.

As set out in the Professional Player’s Code of Conduct, Rugby Australia was required to await the conclusion of criminal proceedings before progressing with their disciplinary action.

"Having carefully considered the offences admitted by the player, the verdict and judgment of the Court, it was determined Hunt had committed a low-level breach of the Code," Rugby Australia said via a press statement.

However, Rugby Australia also considered Hunt’s previous disciplinary matter and the consequential significant reputational damage that his recent arrest and court proceedings has caused to Rugby in determining its sanction.

"Hunt has been issued a fine of AUS$10,000, along with a four-match suspension," read the statement.

"In addition, he will be placed on an illicit drug target testing program for a period of twelve (12) months and will participate in any drug treatment and education programs deemed necessary by Rugby Australia.

"Given Hunt has served a voluntary stand-down since his arrest and through to the current round of Super Rugby, it was deemed that his four-match suspension has been served. The $10,000 fine will be paid to the Australian Rugby Foundation to support community Rugby initiatives."

Rugby Australia's chief executive, Raelene Castle, said: “We take all matters of off-field behaviour seriously and have conducted a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Karmichael Hunt’s arrest in December, and the subsequent Court proceedings.

“In arriving at today’s outcome, we’ve considered the judgement of the Court and all the evidence we had available relating to Karmichael’s arrest, as well as considering the damage that the very public nature of his arrest and the subsequent speculation has inflicted on the game.

“The penalty handed down to Karmichael today also takes into account a previous disciplinary matter for which he was fined and suspended in 2015.”