Welsh rugby player gets 4-year ban for anti-doping violation

WORLD RUGBY TODAY announced a four-year suspension for Wales sevens player Carl Townsend for an anti-doping violation.

The back-rower tested positive for Oxandrolone — an anabolic steroid which promotes muscle growth — while representing Wales at the Rugby Europe Grand Prix 7s in Moscow in June.

In a statement to World Rugby, the 27-year-old claimed he had taken substances after retiring from semi-pro rugby earlier this year:

“Following a decision to retire from semi-professional rugby early in February 2015, I did not have any intention of returning to the sport.

“During this time I admittedly purchased over the counter protein, pre-workout powders and testosterone boosters that were not quality assured and batch-tested.”

There are currently eight further Welsh rugby players serving bans for anti-doping offences with Dean Colclough’s eight-year ban for the possession of prohibited substances and trafficking/attempted trafficking the most severe punishment.

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