Pooler lock Scanlon is handed a doping ban

PONTYPOOL RFC have confirmed that one of their now former players has been banned for two years for a doping offence.

Second row Adam Scanlon tested positive for Clomiphene after providing a sample following Pooler’s Championship fixture against Bridgend Athletic in October 2015.

As a result, he has been ruled ineligible for competition for a period of two years by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), up until October 23, 2017.

Pontypool were notified of the positive test by the Welsh Rugby Union in November and took action to suspended Scanlon from all club duties with immediate effect.

UKAD reached their decision last month and Pooler have subsequently terminated their contract with the former Swansea lock and relieved him of all duties.

Club chief executive Ben Jeffreys said: “This is an exceptionally saddening case that reinforces the importance of all athletes remaining vigilant in ensuring that they are aware of everything they ingest into their system. Throughout this process, Adam has conducted himself with impeccable professionalism and has taken full responsibility for this situation.

“Though Adam has been relieved of his sporting duties with Pontypool RFC, he will continue to play a central role in participating in the club’s WRU accredited drugs awareness educational programmes, which are conducted on a regular basis. This in itself demonstrates that Adam has acknowledged he has made a genuine mistake, but wishes to put that right however possible and continue to champion the importance of clean participation in rugby.

“I extend my sincerest of thanks to UKAD and the WRU for their collaborative approach throughout this process. I also wish to personally thank our medical staff in Angus Robertson and Emily Buckley for their continued professionalism.

“Their management of this situation was done so with impeccable empathy and objectivity. They are a credit to Welsh rugby.

“Pontypool RFC abides by a zero tolerance policy in respect of drugs misuse and I have total confidence that our pro-active approach to delivering educational programmes and operating with the strongest of medical policies will enable the club to remain vigilant moving forward.”

In respect of their ruling, UKAD confirmed it did not seek to establish the violation committed by Scanlon was done with intent.

Scanlon is the latest in a line of Welsh club players to receive hefty bans for doping offences.