FYLDE'S Andre Barnard has been banned for two years after failing to take a compulsory drugs test following his side's National League Division Two defeat at home to Bracknell on January 4.
An RFU disciplinary panel meeting at the London Bloomsbury Holiday Inn imposed the ban, which is in line with International Rugby Board recommendations.
Failure to comply with a compulsory drugs test is taken as the equivalent of a positive test for anabolic steroids.
Barnard, who had been suspended pending the panel's decision, will not be allowed to take part in any rugby union related activity, at any level, until 2005.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article