Stade Francais punish South African Hendre Stassen for his positive drugs test

South African Hendre Stassen is no longer a Stade Francais player after testing positive for a banned substance.

The 21-year-old was provisionally banned by his club on July 12 after failing a random test following a Top 14 match in mid-May. A few weeks later, it was then revealed that his B sample also tested positive for the banned substance.

In a statement on Friday, Stade Francais confirmed that was relieved of his playing duties with the club with immediate effect.

“The results of the second test carried out on July 18 at the request of Hendre Stassen were communicated to the latter on July 22  and confirmed the result of the first sample,” said the statement.

“Given the approach and actions taken by the French Agency for the Fight against Doping and damage to the image of Stade Francais Paris, the club has initiated a procedure for breach of the contract of its player which has resulted in his dismissal for serious misconduct.

“The club wishes to recall that it is fully committed to the fight against doping and that it is committed to exemplary flawlessness so that it cannot tolerate the slightest doubt about it.

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“As a result, Hendre Stassen is no longer a player at Stade Francais Paris. No further statements will be made on this subject.”

Stassen had established himself as a key piece in Meyer’s jigsaw at Stade last season and his loss would prove to be a substantial blow for the club.

- rugby365.com

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