"Best for Karmichael Hunt's welfare that he is not available for selection this Friday" © Getty Images

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Karmichael Hunt will be barred from training with his team-mates until he appears in court with regard to drug-related offences, the Queensland Rugby Union has announced. Hunt was served with a notice to appear in court on March 5 in relation to an investigation by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission, having been alleged to have taken part in a drug cartel involving three men and a woman.

The QRU earlier announced that Hunt would be unavailable for selection for the Reds' clash against the Highlanders this Friday following last week's drug allegations. Hunt was withdrawn from the team to play Western Force last Friday, and he is likely to remain stood down until the investigation is completed.

The QRU has stated it will provide Hunt with support and will not be making any contractual decisions until the investigation is complete. The union will continue to work alongside the Australian Rugby Union and the Rugby Union Players' Association.

"Following extensive consultation with Karmichael over the weekend, we have determined that it continues to be best for Karmichael's welfare that he is not available for selection this Friday," QRU CEO Jim Carmichael said. "As this highly complicated matter is due before the courts and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, we will continue not to prejudice the player's legal or contractual rights and we will apply the principles of natural justice.

"Notwithstanding our responsibilities to our Members, fans and wider Rugby stakeholders - and although Karmichael was not contracted to Rugby during the period in question - the QRU strongly believes it has a duty of care to its employees. As such, we will continue to provide Karmichael with the required organisational support.

"The playing group is aware of the organisation's position and is entirely focused on preparing for an important Super Rugby game against the Highlanders in Dunedin this Friday, following our win over the Western Force on Saturday."

Hunt was stripped of his vice-captaincy role by the Reds last week.