FORMER Workington Town player and Whitehaven captain Marc Shackley has been banned from Rugby League for four years, just nine months after he retired through injury.

The UK Anti-Doping test taken in September 2021 showed trace of clenbuterol, an anabolic agent.

Shackley, now 33, said he had taken a fat burner containing the agent to slim for surgery on the joint; however he could not prove the violations were unintentional and the ban was imposed.

Shackley also said he had already retired before the test and a subsequent anti-doping rule violation had been picked up in an out-of-competition test.

But an independent panel ruled UKAD had jurisdiction on the violation.

The ban he has received is backdated to October 8 2021, and will expire at midnight on October 8 2025.

Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Pat Myhill said: “Clenbuterol has no place in sport as there are many potential side effects to these types of anabolic agents that could cause damage to the individual and their fellow athletes.

“Athletes are solely responsible for what they put in their bodies at all times and should always check their supplements and medications on Informed Sport and Global DRO before taking them.

“The rules are clear, and athletes have a responsibility to protect their own health, career and their sport.”

Robert Hicks, Rugby Football League (RFL) Director of Legal and Operations said: “This is a case which reinforces the responsibility of players to take the steps to reduce the risk of failing a doping violation by checking their supplements.

“It also highlights the issue of their responsibility for ensuring the necessary steps are taken to confirm retirement from the sport.

"The RFL Operational Rules are there to protect the sport, athletes, and all to ensure that the sport remains clean.”

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