Karmichael Hunt faced a media scrum outside Southport Magistrates Court © Getty Images

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The Australian Rugby Union and Queensland Rugby Union have suspended Karmichael Hunt for six weeks, and fined him Aus$30,000, after he pleaded guilty at Southport Magistrates Court to four counts of possession of cocaine. He was fined Aus$2500 by the court, but no criminal conviction was recorded.

Hunt, who has also been stood down as a vice-captain of Queensland Reds, accepted the rugby penalties, even though he was contracted to the Gold Coast Suns AFL at the time of the offence, and the ARU, QRU and the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) have hence determined that he will also undergo a drug treatment and rehabilitation program, and will be placed on a monitored and targeted drug testing program, in accordance with the ARU's Illicit Drugs Policy.

Hunt has already been unavailable for selection for two weeks, hence he will be available to return to competitive rugby in round eight of the Super Rugby season. He will continue until March 22 to train at the Reds' Ballymore facility at times when the main squad are not training there, and will integrate within team sessions from March 23 in advance of the round eight match against the Rebels in Melbourne.

"I made a terrible mistake last year and have no one but myself to blame for this situation," Hunt said. "I am genuinely sorry for the distress I have caused my family, friends, team mates, Reds members, sponsors, fans and the wider rugby and sporting community in Queensland and beyond.

"I intend to work through the education and rehabilitation program and will return to the game in a way that sends a clear message to sports fans of all ages that the use of illicit substances has no place in sport. I am grateful for the support I have received from Queensland Rugby over the past few weeks and intend to repay their loyalty through my future actions on and off the field."

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said: "We are extremely disappointed in Karmichael's actions as illicit substances have no place in rugby. However we acknowledge that he is sincerely remorseful and has cooperated with the investigation and our integrity enquiries throughout this process. Karmichael has also accepted the penalty and consequences of his actions and understands the requirements of a professional athlete and the expectations of our code."

QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael said: "Each individual will have their own perspective and opinion on this issue and this specific case based on their personal life experience. In arriving at these penalties we have all been acutely mindful of our responsibilities to sport and the wider community, as well as the long-term interests of the game, our stakeholders and our fans.

"However, major professional sport in Australia also regards the use of illicit substances as a welfare issue in the first instance. Karmichael has shown significant contrition and remorse throughout this process and Rugby is now applying the rationale in its Illicit Drugs Policy to ensure Karmichael receives the appropriate education and rehabilitation in advance of a return to the Rugby field.