Queensland Reds back Karmichael Hunt insisted he does not have a drug problem after being fined for cocaine possession.
Hunt, 28, pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing cocaine and was fined 2,500 Australian dollars, before being banned for six weeks and fined 30,000 AUD by the Australian Rugby Union.
The code-hopper said he had no drug problem, and believes the issue is one that relates to society as a whole.
"I don't have a drug problem," Hunt told a media conference on Friday.
"It's a social problem, a problem our society is facing it's not isolated to sport, it's a wider issue."
Hunt was thankful to the Queensland Rugby Union for their support, particularly given he was an Aussie Rules player at the time of the charges.
He wants to repay the organisation with his performances for the Reds, who he can play for again in round eight of the Super Rugby season.
"Obviously the charges relate to a time where I wasn't contracted to the Reds," Hunt said.
"I think that speaks volumes of the character that ... the Queensland Rugby Union have shown for supporting me through this.
"They could easily have wiped their hands clean and said they didn't want to have anything to do with it and I appreciate that.
"It's been a difficult couple of weeks, not only for myself and my family but all of rugby union. I just want to apologise for my decision that landed me and the club in this position.
"Hopefully I'll repay the faith on the field and off the field. Obviously I want to put that behind me now, get back on the field and play some footy. That's what I've been brought here for."
Hunt refused to say why he did it, and admitted to not having a "perfect past".
Australia coach Michael Cheika said Hunt's Rugby World Cup chances were slim given the ban handed to him.
"His disadvantage is going to be that he's not playing and that's going to be hard," Cheika told reporters.
"Once he gets back out on the paddock and he starts having a crack, once he starts playing footy again, and if he's playing well, we'll take a look at it then."