New Waratahs signing Karmichael Hunt has been subjected to hair follicle drugs testing for the past 12 months.
Hunt was arrested on drugs charges in December 2017 shortly after signing a new A$1-million, two-year contract with Rugby Australia and the Reds.
While cocaine charges were dropped because of a lack of evidence, the six-Test Wallaby pleaded guilty to possessing Xanax. He was fined A$10,000 and banned for four games by Rugby Australia, as well as being placed in a 12-month targeted illicit drugs testing programme.
‘I’m not afraid to say I’ve been subject to hair testing over this past year,’ Hunt told the Sydney Morning Herald, who admitted he had entered the last-chance saloon in Sydney.
‘Without a doubt, there’s no two ways about that. It’s something that’s tattooed in the back of my mind. This is my last chance. But I’m not looking at it from a pessimistic view, I’m looking at it from a view that I’m very grateful for that.
‘It’s something that I look forward to repaying not only [Waratahs coach] Daryl [Gibson] but the supporters and my teammates, who’ve welcomed me like I’m one of their brothers already. I’m looking forward to getting out there.’
