The former New Zealand rugby player John Hardie has been suspended from playing for both club and country in his adopted Scotland pending an investigation.
John Hardie - Scotland flanker. Scotland v Samoa, Rugby World Cup, 2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Scottish Rugby Union did not give any reason for the suspension, or the timeline of any investigation.
"Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby confirm Scotland international and Edinburgh forward, John Hardie, has been suspended from duty pending an internal investigation," the SRU said in their statement.
"As a result the player will not be available for selection for Edinburgh, or the Scotland national team.
"It is normal practice with such matters that we are unable to comment further given the nature of the investigation."
The 29-year-old was born and raised in New Zealand and qualified for Scotland through his grandmother.
He moved from the Highlanders to join Edinburgh in 2015 and was fast-tracked into the Scotland side by then coach Vern Cotter.
The openside flanker debuted against Italy shortly before the 2015 World Cup and has made 16 test appearances since, with his most recent test against Fiji in Suva in June.
Hardie made more than 50 appearances for both the Highlanders and Southland Stags.
-Reuters
