Six Australian rugby stars have been stood down by their clubs, after they were implicated as part of a cocaine supply ring after an investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission. Jamie Dowling, Beau Falloon, Greg Bird (pictured), David Taylor and Kalifa Faifai Loa, who play for National Rugby League (NRL) club Gold Coast Titans and Karmichael Hunt, who plays for Super Rugby club Queensland Reds, have been suspended ahead of court appearances next month.

Hunt is due to appear in court on 5 March to face charges of supplying a dangerous drug, contrary to section 6 of Australia’s Drug Misuse Act 1986. Hunt formerly played for NRL club Brisbane Broncos, but has also played for Australian Football League (AFL) club Gold Coast, making him the first Australian to reach professional level in all three football codes.

“Following extensive consultation with Karmichael over the weekend, we have determined that it continues to be best for Karmichael’s welfare that he is not available for selection this Friday”, said Queensland Rugby Union CEO Jim Carmichael in a statement. “As this highly complicated matter is due before the courts and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, we will continue not to prejudice the player’s legal or contractual rights and we will apply the principles of natural justice”.

Dowling, Falloon, Bird, Taylor and Faifai Loa will face various charges under the Drug Misuse Act 1986. Dowling and Falloon were suspended by Gold Coast Titans on Friday 20 February and are due to appear in court along with Hunt on 5 March, while Bird, Taylor and Faifai Loa were suspended on Sunday 22 February and are due in court on 9 March.

“Consistent with the actions taken by the club on Friday, the three players charged today have also been stood down from all playing and training responsibilities pending their appearance in court on March 9”, said Gold Coast Titans CEO, Graham Annesley, in a 22 February statement. “Further, although the players are entitled to a presumption of innocence during the legal process ahead, given the serious nature of the charges against the players and the reputational damage caused to the club, we will require all of the charged players to appear before the Titans board to explain why action should not be taken by the club under the provisions of their playing contracts. This will occur when further factual information becomes available.”