Australia prop James Slipper receives two-month ban after testing positive for cocaine

Australia prop James Slipper has been banned for two months after twice testing positive for cocaine.

The Queensland Reds captain has also been fined £15,540 after two positive tests were returned from urine samples taken between February and May.

The suspension will rule Slipper - who has 86 caps for his country - out of Australia's three-Test series against Ireland next month.

In a statement posted on his Twitter account, the 28-year-old apologised for his actions and explained he has been suffering with depression.

He wrote: "I have been suffering wellness issues including depression for a year and have been receiving professional assistance for the last few months. The advice is that I will make a speedy and total recovery.

"In no way do my personal circumstances excuse my actions, but I recognise now that I was not coping and that I need to properly address these issues.

"I take full responsibility for my actions and apologise unreservedly to my family, the QRU, Rugby Australia, my teammates, coaches and all rugby supporters.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has continued to support me in this most difficult time and I fully intend to be a better, more well-adjusted person.

"There is no place for illicit drugs in sport."

The tribunal hearing that heard Slipper's case took into account his "personal circumstances, his service to club and country and previous good character."

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said: "We are fully aware that James is dealing with very significant personal issues and we have been working with him since February on these matters."

Slipper made his Australia debut against England in Perth in 2010, but has not played for his country since December 2016.