Wales issue doping penalties

A Welsh rugby club official and 19 players tonight received lengthy suspensions after admitting charges arising from doping control tests.

Penygraig RFC secretary Peter Bowen was banned for three years from holding office or being involved in the management or coaching of any Welsh Rugby Union-affiliated club.

Bowen admitted that he had “wilfully obstructed or interfered” with the carrying out of doping control tests.

Nineteen Penygraig players, meanwhile, faced a charge of failing to submit to doping control tests. They each received 18-month bans, with immediate effect.

Two other Penygraig players deny the charge, and a third is considering his position. Their case is likely to be heard in September.

The charges arose following a local cup final involving Penygraig on May 14 this year.

The WRU set up a three-man disciplinary panel, chaired by Patrick Harrington QC, who delivered its verdict tonight following a two-day hearing. During the hearing, a case against Penygraig’s immediate past chairman, Neil Roper, was withdrawn.

Regarding the players, the panel said it took into account the admissions, their good record and the effect any penalty could have on the club.

It is understood that Bowen and the players were tonight considering a possible appeal.

The banned players are: Ian Jones, Ian Deasy, Geraint Long, Gavin Owen, Gareth Davies, Gareth James, Gareth Blaken, Dean Perry, Carl Hammans, Anthony Lloyd, Andrew Thomas, Adrian Lewis, Mark Bowcott, Matthew Hutchings, Nigel Hendy, Paul Dunning, Peter Hinken, Richard Thomas and Steve Walker.