Maredydd Francis, who played for RGC 1404, has been suspended from all sport until March 10 2022 after testing positive for a number of Prohibited Substances after an ‘in-competition’ test by UKAD on March 10 2018 at his side’s match against Aberavon at Talbot Athletic Club [CLICK HERE FOR FULL JUDGEMENT]. The player had received anti-doping education on more than one occasion.
WRU policy and integrity manager Jeremy Rogers said, “There is no place for doping in Welsh rugby.
“We are committed to our anti-doping education and awareness programmes, we’ve increased our efforts to train a network of UKAD educators and advisors and club integrity officers to ensure players, coaches and athlete support personnel are well-informed on issues such as supplements, medications and anti-doping rules and are fully aware of their responsibility in the matter.
“We hope that these measures, and the lengthy punishments received by players who violate the rules, will reduce the risk of long-term bans which damage players’ on and off-field careers, the reputation of all involved, not to mention the general health of players. We want players to make good decisions both on and off the field, and the information is freely available for players to make these decisions.”
All information on how to check medication, supplements and banned substances can be found on the WRU website at wru.wales/antidoping
UKAD’s Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: “This is one of several cases we have seen recently in which the athlete is guilty not only of taking a performance enhancing drug, but a number of banned substances.
“Athletes must be aware that taking such a cocktail of performance enhancing drugs will not only see them banned from sport, but also has the potential to be hugely damaging to health.
“We hope such instances serve as a warning to others.”
