Zak Hardaker banned for 14 months over failed drugs test

ByReuters

Updated 30/04/2018 at 13:18 GMT

Former Castleford Tigers fullback Zak Hardaker has been handed a 14-month suspension after he failed a drugs test leading up to the 2017 Super League Grand Final, the Rugby Football League said on Monday.

Zak Hardaker of Castleford during the Betfred Super League match between Castleford Tigers and Catalans Dragons at Wheldon Road on March 26, 2017 in Castleford, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

The 26-year-old was suspended by Castleford having failed the test after a Super 8s game on Sept. 8 before being sacked in February. Hardaker also missed out on the chance to represent England in the 2017 rugby league World Cup.

"UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed Zak Hardaker has been suspended from all sport for 14 months following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation," the governing body for rugby league in England said in a statement.

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