RFU statement: Ex-Premiership player banned for prohibited substance

Former Sale, Northampton and Wasps midfielder Chris Mayor - a 2006 Premiership winner with the Sharks - has been banned from all sport for four years after attempted use and attempted trafficking of a prohibited substance.

The 40-year-old Mayor, who debuted for Sale in 2003 and finished up in the Premiership at Wasps in 2013, had been playing grassroots level for Rossendale but is now banned until December 2025. 

An RFU statement read: “Christopher Mayor, a former professional player and currently of Rossendale RUFC, is banned from all sport for four years after being found to have attempted to use a prohibited substance and to have attempted to traffic a prohibited substance.

“In September 2019, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the National Anti-Doping Organisation for the UK, received evidence from the police that revealed Mr Mayor had attempted to acquire 72iu Lilly pens containing the drug Humatrope, which is a human growth hormone (hGH).

“hHG is prohibited at all times under section S2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2018 prohibited list and is a non-specified substance.

“The RFU charged Mr Mayor with a breach of World Rugby regulations 21.2.2, use or attempted use by a player of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method, and 21.2.7, trafficking or attempted trafficking in any prohibited substance or prohibited method by a player or other person. The RFU also charged Mr Mayor with possession (21.2.6). This charge was found not proved.

“The National Anti-Doping Panel found the charges proven against the athlete and he was banned from December 21, 2021, until midnight December 20, 2025.

RFU anti-doping and illicit drugs programme manager Stephen Watkins said: “Mr Mayor was a respected professional player and well aware of his responsibilities. All rugby players irrespective of level are subject to the anti-doping rules which are in place to protect players and the integrity of our sport.”

• To read the full judgement, please click here