Mitchell Pearce stripped of Sydney Roosters captaincy

Mitchell Pearce will return to training with the Sydney Roosters next week but he has been stripped of the captaincy.

Pearce was sent to a rehabilitation centre in Thailand after video emerged of him simulating a lewd act with a dog and trying to kiss a woman in January.

"After four weeks in an intensive rehabilitation facility, Mitchell's well-being remains paramount," said Roosters chief executive John Lee.

"On the basis of medical advice received by the club, and subject to the satisfactory assessment of his continuing rehabilitation, Mitchell will resume training at the club from Monday."

The club said it had reserved its decision on suspending the player, noting Pearce had missed several team events and would also miss the club's opening NRL fixture against South Sydney on Sunday.

At this point in time, I am probably the worst role model in the sport.

Pearce was caught on camera staggering around during Australia Day celebrations on January 26 before launching into an expletive-laden rant.

Fresh from rehab, Pearce told the Sydney Daily Telegraph he had given up alcohol indefinitely, admitting that when he drinks, "I don't know when to stop".

He said he deserved to lose the captaincy and if he had not, he would have stood down from the leadership role anyway.

"At this point in time, I am probably the worst role model in the sport," he said.

"There are plenty of people who hate me. Even my good friends will be angry with me."

Pearce lost his place in the New South Wales State of Origin team two years ago after CCTV footage showed him grabbing a woman at a nightclub, following a complaint about his behaviour.

The Roosters fined him Aus$20,000 (£10,200) and suspended him for one game. He returned for NSW last year.