Rugby League: Championship players Shaun Pick and Ashley Bateman banned for two years for doping

Championship pair Shaun Pick and Ashley Bateman have been suspended for two years by the UK Anti-Doping authorities for breaching anti-doping regulations.

Pick, 21, of Featherstone tested positive for metabolites of the anabolic steroid oxymetholone last November while South Wales Scorpions three-quarter Ashley Bateman, 25, tested positive for the anabolic steroid oxandrolone and its metabolite, epioxandrolone.

Both have been banned until December 2016.

Rovers said in a statement: "Featherstone Rovers are fully committed to the sport's anti-doping policy and players are educated by the club and governing body as to the penalties they could incur should a positive test be recorded.

"Hopefully today's announcement will further demonstrate that the measures currently in place are working and will act as a deterrent to players thinking about taking this option in the future."

Scorpions chairman Ian Curzon said: "This news comes as a shock to us all but also sends out a warning to the rest of the squad.

"Ashley has been honest throughout the process and has given his apologies to the coaching staff and players for his actions in letting down both himself and the South Wales Scorpions club. He would now like to extend those apologies to all Scorpions fans.

"He will now not be able to play sport for two years and for a professional sportsman that will be a very tough experience, however, the club will support him, as allowed, through this difficult time and is in the process of constructing a rehabilitation programme to take effect after the recommended period of remorse, reflection and full awareness.

"It is hoped that he will return from this ban both a better person and a better player."