Former Bath back Andrew Higgins has announced that he is retiring after being left frustrated at being suspended by the RFU.
Former Bath back retires after being handed ban
Former Bath back Andrew Higgins has announced that he is quitting the sport after being left frustrated at being suspended by the RFU.
Higgins, along with former Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett, were handed out nine-month bans after being found guilty of two charges of misconduct in failing to submit to drugs tests.
The trio were all cleared of allegations of drug taking - and while Lipman and Crockett have decided to appeal the suspension, 28-year-old Higgins has decided to retire.
In a statement issued via his solicitor Richard Mallett, Higgins said: "Despite the fact that on the first day of the four day hearing myself, Michael and Alex were all completely exonerated of any drug taking the RFU Disciplinary Panel on the August 3 went on to find us guilty of failing and/or refusing to submit to internal drugs tests without reasonable cause on two occasions. I was subsequently suspended from playing rugby until the February 28, 2010.
"I am deeply frustrated and totally devastated by that decision. A decision that has caused me to become profoundly disillusioned with the whole process and has led me to consider whether or not I wish to continue to be involved with the game of rugby at any level
"As a result I have decided to 'take some time out' and take advantage of other options outside of professional rugby that are available to me. My main focus was always to clear my name in relation to any drug taking; this has now been done and I will not be taking the matter any further.
"I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that I am immensely proud to have represented Bath Rugby club and will always be grateful for all the support that I have enjoyed from the players and fans.
"I wish the players and the fans every success."
