Ex-Pontypool forward Adam Scanlon banned for two years for doping offence

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

The former Pontypool player becomes the 14th Welshman to be added to UK Anti-Doping's list of athletes who are currently serving anti-doping violation suspensions.

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

Pontypool suspended the lock immediately after being informed of the results and chief executive Ben Jeffreys responded to the decision.

"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," he said.

"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."

Scanlon will serve his suspension until October 23, 2017 and UKAD's legal director Graham Arthur reiterated that ultimately responsibility falls on the player. 

"All sportspeople are responsible for what they ingest, and any substances found in their system, regardless of how they got there," he said.

"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."

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."