Thursday Morning Round Up

Edinburgh hand John Hardie three-month suspension over 'gross misconduct'

Scotland and Edinburgh flanker John Hardie has been handed a three-month suspension following the conclusion of an internal investigation for gross misconduct.

Hardie, 29, was initially suspended by Edinburgh at the end of October for the alleged use of cocaine.

The ban, part of a range of sanctions, will run from when Hardie was initially suspended last month, meaning he will be unavailable for Edinburgh until mid-January next year.

George Smith’s future in doubt after back injury

Wallaby great George Smith’s playing future is in doubt as he battles a potentially career-threatening back injury.

 New Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn says Smith has returned to Australia to source different medical opinions after the champion flanker hurt himself playing in Japan.

“He’s just getting it checked out at the moment. I guess he’s just getting a few opinions, which is a smart thing to do,” Thorn said on Wednesday.

Ten of the Best: Rieko Ioane

The Blitzboks look ahead to the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series 2018