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RFU statement: Ex-Premiership player banned for prohibited substance

By Liam Heagney
(Photo by Stephen Pond/PA Images via Getty Images)

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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.”

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Trevor 15 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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