Karmichael Hunt fined after guilty plea

Mon, Feb 19, 2018, 7:15 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
With a new coaching set-up, a new halves combination and a new skipper 2018 shapes as a fresh start for the Reds in Brisbane. Brad Thorn and James Slipper sat down with RUGBY.com.au to talk preparation ahead of the Super Rugby season.

Karmichael Hunt has had his final day in court, fined $600 after pleading guilty to possession of Xanax and contravening a police direction.

Hunt had initially been charged with possession of cocaine, Xanax and contravening a police direction but police officially dropped the cocaine charge in court on Monday, citing a lack of evidence.

After pleading guilty to the two charges that remained, Hunt was fined $600.Hunt's future in the code is up in the air. Photo: Getty ImagesNo conviction was recorded against his name, with Hunt offering no comment on the way in or out of court.

Hunt's future now hangs in the balance, with Rugby Australia yet to determine whether this latest misdemeanour classifies as bringing the game into disrepute.

He is expected to face an independent code of conduct hearing which will determine his future.

"Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings against Karmichael Hunt in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, Rugby Australia has resumed its investigation in relation to his conduct," a Rugby Australia spokesman said.

Hunt is in hot water. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"Hunt pleaded guilty to possession of a dangerous drug (Alprazolam) and contravening a police direction. A separate charge of cocaine possession was dropped.

"The Queensland Reds and Wallabies back will continue his voluntary stand-down from all rugby duties until the matter is resolved by Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU).

"A further update will be provided at the appropriate time."

The Rugby Paper, a UK publication, has also linked the cross-code star with clubs in France and England - specifically Toulouse and Bordeaux.

Bordeaux already have six Australians on their books - Luke Jones, Nick Frisby, Leroy Houston, Ben Volavola, Blair Connor and Ed Fidow - which would make the transition a touch easier.

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