Karmichael Hunt faces no conviction, but will remain sidelined

Wallabies and Reds star Karmichael Hunt will remain sidelined, pending a Rugby Australia investigation, after avoiding a conviction on drugs charges.

Hunt was stood down from playing after being arrested and charged with drug possession in December.

The 31-year-old avoided a charge of cocaine possession due to lack of evidence, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of possessing Xanax and “contravening a police direction”.

He was fined AU$600, but the matter carries no conviction, which will allow Hunt to either travel abroad if he resumes his career with the Reds or move to a new country, with teams in England and France reportedly interested.

“Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings against Karmichael Hunt in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, Rugby Australia has resumed its investigation in relation to his conduct,” a Rugby Australia spokesman said.

“The Queensland Reds and Wallabies back will continue his voluntary stand-down from all rugby duties until the matter is resolved by Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU).”

Hunt – a former rugby league player with Brisbane Broncos in the NRL – made his Wallabies debut last June, earning six appearances.