John Hardie suspended by SRU pending investigation

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By Adam Ellis
Scotland openside flanker John Hardie has been suspended by the SRU with immediate effect to cast doubts over whether he will feature at all during the autumn internationals.
The governing body and Hardie's club side Edinburgh confirmed he will not be available for squad selection under an internal investigation has been carried out.
Without revealing details as to why the 29-year-old was being withheld from the national team fold, an SRU statement confirmed: “Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby confirm that Scotland international and Edinburgh forward, John Hardie, has been suspended from duty pending an internal investigation.
“As a result the player will not be available for selection for Edinburgh, or the Scotland National Team.
“It is normal practice with such matters that we are unable to comment further given the nature of the investigation.”
Head coach Gregor Townsend will name his squad for the autumn internationals next Monday, with key personnel Greig Laidlaw and Fraser Brown certain not to be named along with Hardie after picking up injuries.