Scottish Rugby
Chalmers hit with two-year doping ban
ESPN Staff
September 13, 2013

Melrose's Sam Chalmers has been hit with a two-year ban after testing positive for banned substances.

The 19-year-old student, who is the son of British & Irish Lion Craig, has apologised for his actions after being handed the ban following an International Rugby Board hearing during which he admitted using a pill called Pro-SD - a substance which included methandienone and stanozolol.

He tested positive for the substance while on duty with the Scotland Under-20s squad ahead of a Test with Ireland back in May. He played no part in the Junior World Championship and has missed Melrose's three games this season.

Sam Chalmers was full of remorse and said: "First of all I would like to apologise to my club Melrose RFC, my team-mates, the Scottish Rugby Union, my friends and my family. I am disappointed in myself and have to take personal responsibility for this incident which has ultimately led me to being banned from the game I have grown up with and love so much.

"I have been stupid, naive and impressionable and would urge other young players not to give in to the constant pressure to be bigger in the manner that I did over a two-week period in April last season. After my experience I would certainly encourage young players to seek out the correct advice from the right places before taking any kind of supplement or product.

"I hope over time I can be forgiven for my mistake and I can come back to compete in the game I love so much."

His father Craig, added: "Sam has made a huge mistake, but anyone that knows him will tell you what a pleasant, polite young man he is. I must point out that Sam's family in no way condone what he has done, but we will be there to support and help him through this difficult time.

"Sam is a competitive, ambitious and hard-working young man who now faces the biggest challenge of his life. I believe the lessons Sam has learned from this experience will only make him stronger and when he does return to rugby you will see a player who has matured."

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