Rugby: League star banned after guilty steroid plea

David Highton of Warrington Wolves RLFC has been banned until the 30 April 2002 inclusive under the Rugby Football League's Doping Control regulations.

He was suspended following a hearing staged by the Executive Board of Directors at Rugby Football League headquarters at Red Hall, Leeds today.

Highton pleaded guilty to the charge of taking a banned steroid. As well as the suspension, he was fined £1,000.

David Callaghan, the Executive Director of Communications who chaired the hearing, said: "We took into consideration the fact that David Highton pleaded guilty to the charge when considering the length of his suspension.

"The regulations gave us the option of being able to suspend him for two years.

"The Rugby Football League remains steadfast in its fight against drug abuse within our sport and we will not relax our vigilance at all levels of the game."

Highton has a right of appeal against the penalty. He has 14 days to lodge any appeal.

The Rugby Football League have decided not to make any further comment and will not be making any of its officers available for interview on the subject.