Wales rocked by drug shock
Fri, 16 May 2008 21:57
Welsh rugby were rocked by a double drug shock on Friday, after two players from one club were banned for two years.
In a media release from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) it was confirmed that two players from Bridgend club were banned after admitting to breaking anti-doping rules.
"Richard Radford and Gareth Williams tested positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine, following routine UK Sport testing after a fixture with Llandovery last month," the WRU statement said.
"Richard Radford and Gareth Williams were tested on March 29," said a WRU spokesperson.
"The WRU is confident it has a robust anti-doping policy and this case is evidence that the system is working.
"The taking of prohibited substances has no place in Wales' national game and is universally condemned throughout British sport. Both players have been given the mandatory ban for the offence."
The WRU also released a list of other disciplinary steps taken earlier this week.
NICKY ALLEN (Llanharan) - striking an opponent with the head v Caerphilly: Four (4) week suspension. Allen may resume playing on 10 August, 2008.
STEVE COATES (Cwmgors) - punching v Haverfordwest: Two (2) week suspension. Coates may resume playing on 27 May, 2008.
DARRAN DAVID (Banwen) - high and dangerous tackle v Aberavon Quins: Two (2) week suspension. David may resume playing on 27 May, 2008.
A HEALEY (Corus) - stamping v Dunvant: Five (5) week suspension. Healey may resume playing on 17 August, 2008.
S HOWARD (Blaenavon) - use of knee v Caldicot: Three (3) week suspension. Howard may resume playing on 3 August, 2008.
M ROSS (Blaenavon) - punching and head butt v Caldicot: Eight (8) week suspension. Ross may resume playing on 7 September, 2008.
C HEAVEN (Caldicot) - verbal abuse of referee v Blaenavon: Six (6) week suspension. Heaven may resume playing on 24 August, 2008.
MERVYN MEREDITH (Tonmawr) - punching v Carmarthen Quins: Two (2) week suspension. Meredith may resume playing on 27 May, 2008.
TOM PIPER (Newport HSOB) - striking an opponent with the head v Builth Wells: Four (4) week suspension. Piper may resume playing on 10 August, 2008.
P DAVIES (Llantwit Fardre) - head butt v Fairwater: Four (4) week suspension. Davies may resume playing on 10 August, 2008.
THOMAS WATKINS (Newbridge) - punching v Blackwood: Two (2) week suspension. Watkins may resume playing on 27 May, 2008.
STUART DAVIES (Amman United) - punching v Cardigan: Two (2) week suspension. Davies may resume playing on 27 May, 2008.
DUANE EAGER (Bonymaen) - two yellow cards Waunarlwydd: Two (2) week suspension. Eager may resume playing on 27 May, 2008.
CODE OF CONDUCT
PONTYCLUN - verbal abuse of referee v St Joseph's on 29 March, 2008: Club fined £500 of which £250 suspended for 12 months.
BLAENAVON - verbal abuse of referee by players and supporters v Caldicot, 26 April, 2008: Club fined £500 of which £250 suspended for 12 months.
