Adam Rusling: Cornwall player serves three months for doping offence
- Published
Adam Rusling was Cornwall's leading points scorer last season
Cornwall scrum-half Adam Rusling has served a three-month ban for a positive test for cocaine and ecstasy.
Rusling was tested after the League One game away at Hunslet on 18 June and was provisionally suspended from 2 August.
But Rusling, who accepted the findings of the test, is free to play having served in excess of his three-month ban while provisionally suspended.
"Stimulants such as cocaine and MDMA are harmful and addictive, and illegal in the UK," said UKAD's Hamish Coffey.
"Athletes and their loved ones can have their lives impacted by 'recreational drugs', so it's simply not worth the risk to their health or reputation in sport," added Coffey, who is UK Anti-Doping's director of operations.
"The Anti-Doping Rules are in place to keep athletes safe and to maintain a fair sport.
"We welcome the work sports like Rugby League, in conjunction with Rugby League Cares, are doing to tackle the use of recreational drugs among players, which includes awareness, education and support for those affected."
Cornwall say they will support Rusling and do not condone the use of illegal substances.
"We are committed to supporting our staff and squad, along with the valued assistance that Rugby League Cares offer," the club said in a statement.
"At every stage of this process, the player demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions and fully co-operated with UKAD.
"The club also co-operated fully with UKAD and Rugby Football League since Rusling was provisionally suspended."
Meanwhile Rusling's teammate Josh Hartshorne has been banned for three games for punching in Challenge Cup loss to York Acorn earlier this month.