Source: BBC
Australia have suspended six players for one match for drinking in midweek before Saturday’s win over Ireland and warned nine more.
Wallabies coach Ewan McKenzie acted after “a group of players made the decision to stay out late and consume inappropriate levels of alcohol”.
He said Australia’s “ethical conduct” standards had been compromised.
The six banned are Adam Ashley Cooper, Nick Cummins, Liam Gill, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson and Paddy Ryan.
International Rugby Board regulations state that a team’s 23-man match squad must contain four props so tight-head Ryan will serve his suspension in the game against Wales in a fortnight.
Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Saia Fainga’a, Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps have received written warnings, while Scott Fardy, Mike Harris, Ben McCalman and Nic White have been given verbal reprimands.
“Let’s be clear – these are internal sanctions and aren’t a result of any complaints or reports of inappropriate or sinister behaviour while our players were out. Instead, we have chosen to address an issue that has come up internally and we are now being upfront about it,” explained McKenzie.
Additional reading
Binge Drinking: moderation is a myth hard to sustain
Alcohol: moderate use a gateway to alcoholism
An international repository for alcohol related problems
Categories: Addiction, alcoholism, Australia, Utilitarian value