The Rugby Football League has announced Zak Hardaker will not be eligible for the rest of the Super League season after being banned for 14 months by UK Anti Doping (UKAD) following a positive test for a prohibited substance
Hardaker was found to have benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine – in his system after Castleford Tigers' clash with his former club Leeds Rhinos last September.
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The full-back was dropped by the Tigers for the Grand Final later that year, and was subsequently sacked by the club.
UKAD confirmed on Monday that he has been suspended from all sports for 14 months, with the ban backdated meaning he is free to resume playing from November 7.
"We believe the correct verdict has been returned and we would like to thank the tribunal for their professionalism," a statement from Hardaker's legal team read.
"This was a truly exceptional case, where the drug use was never linked to performance enhancement.
"In this regard, Zak would never take any substance to achieve an unfair advantage. He was commended by the tribunal for his impressive comprehensive evidence and the fact that he made no attempt to downplay his conduct and was utterly frank with them."
Hardaker's provisional ban meant he also missed out on the Rugby League World Cup with England in Australia.
A lifeline from Wigan Warriors had been mooted earlier this year, but UKAD's ruling means Hardaker will have to wait until the 2019 season before he can resume his career.
