STARS GO TEST FREE IN SEASON

RUGBY chiefs say professional players can escape being dope-tested for an entire season.

Stephen Watkins, the RFU antidoping officer, revealed that 623 players from the Premiership and Championship were tested in 2016-17 – and none tested positive.

He also revealed England players are tested eight to 12 times a season, but some Premiership stars never have to give a sample.

But Watkins said: “If a player did go a season without being tested, we’d flag it with UK Anti-Doping to make sure we pick those players up. We have a rugby-specific strategy.”

Wing Liam Williams continues his comeback from an abdominal injury as Saracens take on Sale tonight.

Tonight’s Premiership games: Sale v Saracens, 7.45pm (BT Sport), Newcastle v Bath, 7.45pm.