Spartans RFC player banned for 4 years for anabolic steroid use

A Spartans RFC player has been handed a four year ban for the use of anabolic steroids.

A statement released by the RFU read: "Craig Hoare of Spartans RFC (level eight) has been suspended for a period of four years from all sport following the decision of an independent national anti-doping panel."

Hoare tested positive for the presence of Drostanolone and Methylhexaneamine after failing a test following a match on the 15 April 2017.

"The period of ineligibility has been applied from 5 May 2017 - the date of the provisional suspension – until 4 May 2021."

Hoare did not respond to the charge and it transpired that he was told on the bus on the way to a match.

The panel report stated: " the day the Charge was due to be sent to the Player (05 May 2017), Spartans would be playing the final of the IC – RFU Junior Vase at Twickenham and the Player would likely be travelling down with the team for the match."

"Mr Gwilliam (the player's coach) requested that he could tell the Player what had happened direct, as he was concerned about the Player’s welfare. Mr Watkins and Mr Gwilliam did discuss whether the Player could still play.

"He was informed that he could still travel and watch the match, but not play or take any part, even in the pre-match preparations. He could not take any official role as he was now provisionally suspended. Mr Gwilliam asked if the Player could receive a medal at the end. The answer was again no."

Known by trade name Masteron, Drostanolone is an injectable oil-based anabolic steroid, derived from Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is a mirrors the body natural produced anabolic hormone: testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and nandrolone.