Welsh Rugby Union player Ryan Watkins banned for four years for steroid use
Press Release
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed that a rugby union player, Ryan Watkins, has been suspended from all sport for four years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
Watkins (23), who played for Maesteg Harlequins RFC, tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone and the stimulant methylhexaneamine following an in-competition test on 18 August after a pre-season friendly between Maesteg Harlequins RFC and Bridgend Ravens RFC.
Watkins is banned from 12 September 2015 to midnight on 11 September 2019.
UKAD Director of Legal, Graham Arthur said:
“Ryan Watkins deliberately ingested nandrolone and methylhexaneamine without any consideration for his responsibilities as an athlete. By making this conscious choice to dope, Watkins has chosen to cheat his team mates, the opposition and his sport."
“This serious breach of the rules and blatant attempt to cheat the system has rightly resulted in a four year ban."
“I hope this case will act as strong deterrent to other young amateur players – the risks to your playing career, your reputation and more importantly to your health, just aren’t worth it.”
The full written decision can be found under the current rule violations section of the UKAD website.
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