Sacked former Castleford star Zak Hardaker suspended for 14 months after failed drugs test

Former Castleford full-back Zak Hardaker will be free to play rugby league again in November after receiving a 14-month suspension for failing a drugs test.

He was expected to face a two-year ban after cocaine was found in his system following the Tigers’ game against his former club Leeds Rhinos last September.

News of Hardaker's failed drugs test broke just two days before their Grand Final appearance against Rhinos in October.

Hardaker was suspended on September 8 2017, which means he will be eligible to return to play the sport on November 7 this year.