Hurricanes and Māori All Blacks lock Isaia Walker-Leawere has been handed a one-month ban from all sport, after testing positive for cannabis.
Walker-Leawere, 26, tested positive for THC - the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis - after a Super Rugby Pacific match in May.
NZ Rugby has suspended him from all sport for one month and confirms he has since entered into a treatment programme.
Walker-Leawere's suspension ended on August 5, under the condition he would complete the substance of abuse treatment programme. Otherwise, his ban would be extended to three months.
Drug Free Sport New Zealand boss Nick Paterson supports an athlete-centred approach and is eager to see him back on the rugby field.
"We don't believe that cannabis is performance-enhancing," he said. "Getting Mr Walker-Leawere substance of abuse support and back into sport after serving his sanction is the most practical outcome, and supports long-term athlete health and wellbeing.
"We've advocated to remove cannabis from the prohibited list for over 15 years and will continue to do so.
"However, while cannabis remains on the prohibited list, the best approach to avoiding a positive test is to avoid using it."
