Karmichael Hunt

Reds utility backline player Karmichael Hunt will not be selected for Friday’s Super Rugby match against the Highlanders as he awaits a court appearance to answer charges of supplying cocaine.

The 28-year-old, a potential Wallaby bolter for the World Cup, was stood down by the Reds last week after it emerged he was 1 of 4 people given notice by Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission to appear in court on 5 March.

Hunt missed the Reds’ win over Western Force over the weekend and will continue to stay on the sidelines pending his hearing, the Reds said in a statement.

“Following extensive consultation with Karmichael over the weekend, we have determined that it continues to be best for Karmichael’s welfare that he is not available for selection this Friday,” he said.

“As this highly complicated matter is due before the courts and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, we will continue not to prejudice the player’s legal or contractual rights and we will apply the principles of natural justice.

“Notwithstanding our responsibilities to our Members, fans and wider Rugby stakeholders – and although Karmichael was not contracted to rugby during the period in question – the QRU strongly believes it has a duty of care to its employees.

“As such, we will continue to provide Karmichael with the required organisational support.

“The playing group is aware of the organisation’s position and is entirely focused on preparing for an important Super Rugby game against the Highlanders in Dunedin this Friday, following our win over the Western Force on Saturday.”

One of the best-known athletes in Australia after his previous careers as a Rugby League international and in the indigenous football code, Australian Rules, Hunt has played just 1 Super Rugby match since joining the Reds at the start of this year.

A QCCC statement released on Friday alleged the 4 people summoned to court “arranged for the supply of cocaine for personal use or to supply cocaine to friends and colleagues between June and December 2014”.

rugby365