Zak Hardaker found guilty of drink driving again with Leigh Leopards star banned
Zak Hardaker has been banned from driving for three years following his second conviction for drink-driving. The former Super League Man of Steel was found guilty of driving without due care and attention, as well as driving over the legal alcohol limit. This verdict was delivered at Leeds Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, accompanied by a fine of £1,346.
This isn’t the first time Hardaker, currently playing for Leigh Leopards, has faced such legal consequences. In September 2018, he received a 20-month driving ban after admitting to driving with a blood alcohol content more than double the legal limit. This incident occurred while he was serving a 14-month playing ban for using cocaine.
Hardaker’s career has been marked by off-field controversies, including a drug test failure leading to his dismissal from Castleford Tigers in 2017 and disciplinary issues prompting his departure from Wigan Warriors in 2022.
Despite these setbacks, Hardaker has excelled on the rugby field. He’s represented England and Great Britain, winning major titles such as the Grand Final, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders’ Shield three times each. His stellar performances have earned him accolades like being named the Super League’s best player in 2015 and inclusion in the Super League Dream Team on three occasions. In 2023, he played a pivotal role for Leigh, contributing to their Challenge Cup Final victory at Wembley with 27 appearances.
Despite his recent legal troubles, Hardaker remains a part of Leigh’s squad and is set to play in their upcoming season opener against Huddersfield Giants on Friday.
