These two years off could help my body Wendell Sailor

The 32-year-old said he would like to play in Europe, and also raised the possibility of finishing his career in his original code of rugby league.

"I'd be bitter if it ended on these terms," he told The Sunday Telegraph.

"My career's on hold for two years, but I reckon I could play two or three more years after the ban is over."

Sailor tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine after playing for the NSW Waratahs on 16 April and had been provisionally suspended since 12 May before having the ban confirmed on Friday.

His lawyer said Sailor was still considering the prospect of an appeal.

"I know I don't want my career to end like this," said Sailor.

SAILOR'S DRUGS TEST SAGA 16 April: Plays for Waratahs against Brumbies match at Aussie Stadium and gives urine sample after the match 12 May: Notified that A sample tested positive for cocaine 15 May: Provisionally suspended by ARU 22 May: Asks for B sample to be tested 1 June: Informed that his B sample is also positive 28 June: Requests hearing by an independent judicial committee 18 July: Hearing takes place in Sydney 21 July: Found guilty of taking a prohibited substance and banned for two years

"I couldn't handle looking at my resume, seeing all my achievements, seeing dual international, but knowing it all finished because of a drug ban.

"Two years out is a long time. The problem will be getting up every day and training hard and trying to keep fit.

"(But) these two years off could help my body. Even the last six weeks I've felt so rejuvenated."

Sailor said he would like to bring his career to a close with his former rugby league side Brisbane Broncos, with whom he won three NRL Grand Finals.

"I've thought about finishing my career at the Broncos and I've spoken about it with (Brisbane coach) Wayne Bennett," he said.

"I wouldn't want to go there on big money. I just want to go back and give something back to the club."

He also said he had been in contact with Australian rugby league stars Darren Lockyer and Andrew Johns.

As a husband, father and a role model I realise I have let plenty of people down Wendell Sailor

Sailor, while admitting his mistake, said he felt the lengthy ban was disproportionate to his offence.

"I was hoping for some leniency here because I've never taken drugs to enhance my performance," he said.

"I'm not playing the victim. I've made a mistake, but this was stupid more than anything.

"As a husband, father and a role model I realise I have let plenty of people down, including myself.

"I'd be disappointed if people were to put me in the same category as a guy like (banned Canadian sprinter) Ben Johnson.

"I'd like to come through this a stronger and more positive person."

Sailor won 37 caps for Australia in union, playing in the 2003 World Cup final against England.