FORMER Rugby Union star Chris Mayor has received a five-year ban from all sport for an anti-doping rule violation.
The RFU says that the 40-year-old attempted to use a prohibited substance and attempted to traffic a prohibited substance.
GettyChris Mayor has been hit with a five-year sporting ban[/caption]
GettyHe attempted to use a prohibited substance and attempted to traffic a prohibited substance[/caption]
A national anti-doping panel found the charges proven against Mayor.
And now they have suspended him, with part of it backdated, until December 2025.
Mayor has escaped being charged by the RFU with possession due to it not being proven.
The RFU said: “In September 2019, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the national anti-doping organisation for the UK, received evidence from the police that revealed Mr Mayor had attempted to acquire 72iu Lilly pens containing the drug Humatrope, which is a Human Growth Hormone (hGH).
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“hGH is prohibited at all time under section S2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2018 Prohibited List and is a non-Specified Substance.
“The RFU charged Mr Mayor with a breach of World Rugby Regulations 21.2.2, use or attempted use by a player of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method, and 21.2.7, trafficking or attempted trafficking in any prohibited substance or prohibited method by a player or other person.
“The RFU also charged Mr Mayor with possession (21.2.6). This charged was found not proved.”
Stephen Watkins, the RFU’s anti-doping and illicit drugs programme manager, added: “Mr Mayor was a respected professional player and well aware of his responsibilities.
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“All rugby players irrespective of level are subject to the anti-doping rules which are in place to protect players and the integrity of our sport.”
Mayor famously scored a try for Sale in a 45-20 win as they won the Premiership title at Twickenham in 2006.
The ex-centre also played for Northampton and Wasps before a stint at Lancashire club Rossendale.