Sailor has not played since the news of his failed test broke in May

The 32-year-old tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine after a match for the NSW Waratahs on 16 April.

Sailor - who has the right of appeal - was found guilty of taking a prohibited substance by an independent committee.

"His behaviour's very disappointing and we had no hesitation in terminating his contract," said Australian Rugby Union (ARU) president Gary Flowers.

"Australian rugby condemns the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in sport."

Sailor was suspended on 12 May after his A sample tested positive for a banned substance, but he then asked for his B sample to be analysed.

He was informed that the B sample was also positive on 1 June.

We will not accept people who are not good role models for the children of Australia ARU president Gary Flowers

"The use of any illegal drug is contrary to the ethical concepts of sportsmanship, fair play, good medical practice and is potentially harmful to the health of the individual," added Flowers.

"We also reject the arguments of those who claim we have no right to be testing for so-called 'recreational drugs'.

"There is no such thing as recreational drugs - these drugs are illegal, they are harmful to the people using them and they are not acceptable for use by our sportsmen and women.

"We will not accept people in their playing ranks who are not good role models for the children of Australia."

"His actions have been nothing short of irresponsible."

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

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

"On the field, Wendell has been a great competitor with an outstanding work ethic, and his Test caps are a great achievement - he has also been involved in charity and community work," said Flowers.

"However he has now let himself down, as well as letting down his NSW Waratah team mates and Australian rugby fans."

Sailor switched codes from rugby league in a lucrative deal in 2002, and had four seasons with the Queensland Reds before moving to the Sydney-based Waratahs this year on a two-year agreement.

He had already been fined and suspended for three matches this season over a drunken nightclub incident in Cape Town.

Sailor was initially suspended for one match, fined A$500 and sent home from South Africa by the Waratahs.

But he had a suspended ARU two-match ban hanging over him from another indiscretion with the Wallabies in the same South African city last year, and was fined an extra A$3500.