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Magnus Bradbury stripped of Edinburgh captaincy after night out

Rugby, Guinness PRO12

Richard Cockerill has stripped Magnus Bradbury of the Edinburgh captaincy -- but insists he is willing to hand those who step out of line a second chance.

Bradbury has not featured for the capital club since suffering a head injury during a night out two weeks ago.

The 22-year-old was Cockerill's surprise choice as skipper when he took over during the summer but he has now decided to withdraw that honour after Bradbury suffered a head injury during a night out two weeks ago.

"The current situation is certainly not ideal," said Cockerill, who has named Fraser McKenzie as the new club captain. "I've stood Magnus down as captain because I'm not going to accept that behaviour from my captain away from the field.

"The players are very aware of what I expect from them. They're adults and have to make the right decisions. They know how to behave and if they choose to behave outside like that then clearly I have to manage it.

"But I also understand humans make mistakes.

"I've been there myself as a player. I'm sure everyone in the room has been there at some point when they wake up on a Sunday morning regretting what they've done on a Saturday night. That's part of growing up."

The Gunners head coach hopes that will draw a line under one disappointing episode, but he still has the issue of Scotland flanker John Hardie's club suspension floating overhead.

The Kiwi-born back-rower has also been told to stay away while an internal investigation is carried out, with reports suggesting it centres on allegations of cocaine use.

If proved correct, they could have serious consequences for Hardie, but Cockerill believes offenders must be given the chance to prove they can mend their ways.

"I'm not allowed to comment on that," said the former England hooker when asked about Hardie's situation.

"We'll just get on with the playing parts and try to leave this distraction aside.

"I will help guys that get themselves into trouble because people make mistakes. If we all got chucked aside after a mistake none of us would be sat here now. 

"I need guys to be honest if they've done something wrong and we can deal with that, but people have to be accountable for what they do and take responsibility. Simple as that."

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