Bridgend pair in drugs ban

May 17 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

THE Welsh Premiership has been rocked after two Bridgend players were given two-year bans for breaking anti-doping rules.

Richard Radford and Gareth Williams tested positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine following routine UK Sport testing after a fixture with Llandovery last month.

“Richard Radford and Gareth Williams were tested at random by UK Sport, the union's appointed anti-doping organisation, on March 29 this year,” revealed a WRU spokesperson.

“The WRU is confident it has a robust anti-doping policy and this case is evidence that the system is working.

“The taking of prohibited substances has no place in Wales’ national game and is universally condemned throughout British sport. Both players have been given the mandatory ban for the offence.”