Souths sack player for drug use

South Sydney have sacked centre Kirisome Auva’a after he tested positive for illicit drug use for the second time.

Auva’a is the second player the Rabbitohs have sacked this week after forward Paul Carter was released because of a contract breach.

The club said in a statement: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs have terminated the contract of player Kirisome Auva’a following a second breach of the NRL’s Testing Policy for illicit and hazardous substances.

“Whilst Auva’a did not return a positive test for an illicit or hazardous substance in this instance, he contravened the rules as set out in the NRL Policy.

“Under the terms of the Policy, the Club has the right to terminate the contract of players following a second breach, which it has decided to do.

“The Club will continue to offer welfare assistance and support to Kirisome.”