Former Penrith Panther and English International Zak Hardaker has been suspended for 14 months after failing a drug test prior to the 2017 Super League grand final.

Hardaker was subsequently  sacked by his club Castleford and missed selection for England at the World Cup.

“UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed Zak Hardaker has been suspended from all sport for 14 months following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation,” the Rugby Football League said in a statement.

Hardaker tested positive for cocaine and metabolite.