Edinburgh have handed John Hardie a three-month suspension following an internal investigation.
The forward will be unable to play until mid-January, with the suspension backdated to his initial ban which started in October.
Hardie was initially suspended by club and country on October 20 amid reports of alleged cocaine use and he has been been charged with gross misconduct by the Myreside club following an investigation.
The Scotland international was expected to be a part of Gregor Townsend's squad for the autumn internationals, but was forced to miss out following the incident and confirmation of his ban makes it unlikely that he will start next year's Six Nations.
An Edinburgh spokesperson said: "John has cooperated with the disciplinary process throughout.
"He has acknowledged the serious mistake he has made as a professional athlete and has accepted full responsibility for his conduct.
"It has been made clear that we are not prepared to tolerate the behaviour which caused this situation.
"Support will be provided to the player by Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby on a personal and professional level throughout the period of his suspension and going forward."
Hardie added: "I would like to apologise to everyone for putting myself in this situation.
"Through my actions I feel I have let my club, my team-mates and the fans down.
"I am now focused on putting myself in the best possible position to be considered for selection again."
Source: PA
