Zak Hardaker out of England World Cup squad after failing drugs test
Monday 9 October 2017 17:49, UK
Zak Hardaker is out of England's World Cup squad after he was provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test.
Castleford full-back Hardaker, one of three nominees for this year's Man of Steel, tested positive for cocaine, Sky Sports News understands, and was omitted from the Tigers' Grand Final squad against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday for an unspecified "breach of club rules".
Cas, who finished 10 points clear of Leeds at the end of the Super 8s, lost the Old Trafford final 24-6.
A Rugby Football League Spokesperson, said: "The Rugby Football League can confirm that Zak Hardaker is provisionally suspended from all competition after it received notification from UK Anti-Doping that he had tested positive for a banned substance following a Super 8s game between Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos on September 8, 2017.
I was given an opportunity by this great club and in what has been one of the most important weeks in its history, I have let everyone at the club down. For that, I truly apologise.
"He will therefore not be considered for the England Rugby League World Cup squad due to be announced today (Monday) at 12pm.
"The Rugby Football League will be making no further comment until the outcome of the case has been determined."
Castleford later released a statement confirming Hardaker's suspension, in which the player himself apologised for his indiscretion.
"I would like to apologise to my Castleford Tigers teammates, the staff and all fans for my enormous error of judgement," Hardaker told the club's official website.
"I was given an opportunity by this great club and in what has been one of the most important weeks in its history, I have let everyone at the club down. For that, I truly apologise.
"Finally, I would like to make it clear that in no way did I, nor would I, ever take a substance with the intention of enhancing my performance."
Hardaker now has 21 days after the failure notification from UK Anti-Doping to appeal the failed test, which Castleford stated they received on Friday.
He must now decide by October 27 whether or not to appeal. If he chooses to do so, a UK Anti-Doping panel will convene to hear his case, a process which could take between eight and 10 months to be heard.
Hardaker would remain provisionally suspended until then.
If the player decides not to appeal, his sanction will be decided by the RFL, who are bound by UK Anti-Doping guidelines.
Super League players Rangi Chase and Adam Walker are currently subject to RFL & UKAD investigations after testing positive for cocaine in July, with both provisionally suspended by the RFL.
Previous rugby league bans for cocaine use include Keighley's Gavin Duffy who was suspended for 15 months in March last year and Gareth Hock, who was at Wigan at the time. He was banned for two years in July 2009.
