Doping in sport: Welsh amateur rugby player banned for four years

A Welsh amateur rugby player has been banned from all sport for four years after admitting doping.

The player tested positive for three banned substances following a Division One West fixture in October 2022.

His sample included anabolic steroid drostanolone as well as anastrozole and tamoxifen.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has backed the suspension imposed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) as a "warning" to players at all levels.

UKAD director of operations Hamish Coffey said: "This case makes clear that UKAD can conduct anti-doping testing at all levels of WRU competition, and all participants are liable for the consequences of their actions should they violate the anti-doping regulations.

"All rugby players need to understand that taking banned substances will result in lengthy bans from the sports they love and have trained long and hard to take part in.

"We want to protect sport for all, and we will always act to catch those individuals who try and cheat the system. It is never worth the risk."

The player, who the BBC has decided not to name, was tested after the match and later admitted to taking the prohibited substances following a positive result.

He initially challenged the four-year ban and the case was refereed to the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in April.

However, he dropped his challenge in June this year and accepted the four-year suspension from all sport until 15 December 2026.

The WRU said: "We promote clean sport and players at every level of the game must adhere to the WRU anti-doping rules.

"It's vital players are aware of the risks if they decide to take a prohibited substance for performance-enhancing or recreational reasons.

"We want players to make good decisions both on and off the field."