Ex-Pontypool lock Adam Scanlon banned for two years for anti-doping violation
PA Sport
April 28, 2016
© Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Welsh rugby player Adam Scanlon has been suspended from all sport for two years following an anti-doping violation.

He becomes the 14th Welsh rugby player to feature on UK Anti-Doping's list of people currently serving anti-doping violation suspensions.

Former Pontypool lock Scanlon tested positive for clomiphene, an anti-oestrogenic drug, following an in-competition test after a league match between Pontypool and Bridgend Athletic last October.

UKAD director of legal Graham Arthur said: "All sportspeople are responsible for what they ingest, and any substances found in their system, regardless of how they got there.

"This can be a challenging concept at all levels of sport, and athletes must manage the risk of doping at all times by maximising their nutrition first and thoroughly researching all supplements before use."

Scanlon is banned from Oct. 24 last year to Oct. 23, 2017.

In a statement, Welsh Championship club Pontypool said: "Pontypool RFC was notified of the positive test by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on November 13, 2015 and took action to suspend Scanlon from all club duties with immediate effect.

"Throughout his suspension, Scanlon regularly communicated with Pontypool RFC's medical staff and chief executive officer and fully complied with all club investigations with integrity and professionalism.

"On March 31, 2016, UKAD imposed that Scanlon be ruled ineligible to compete for a period of two years until October 23, 2017. Pontypool RFC has subsequently terminated its contract with Scanlon and relieved him of all duties.

"Pontypool RFC operates a zero-tolerance policy in respect of drugs misuse and fully supports the ruling made by UKAD."

Pontypool chief executive Ben Jeffreys added: "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."

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