Chase given two-year drugs ban

Former England half-back Rangi Chase has been banned from all sport for two years after testing positive for cocaine.

The 31-year-old was suspended by Widnes Vikings in August after he failed a drugs test following their 36-8 defeat to Wakefield Trinity on 14 July.

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) said that Chase had tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

The former Castleford Tigers and Salford Red Devils star’s ban will run until 00:00 BST on 13 July 2019.

On the suspension, UKAD CEO Nicole Sapstead, said: “As an experienced Rugby League player who has represented both New Zealand Maori and England, as well as Super League clubs, Castleford Tigers and Salford Red Devils, Rangi Chase has tarnished his well-established career with this sanction.

“His two-year ban serves as a stark warning to athletes about the very real consequences of taking recreational drugs whilst competing in sport.”

Chase won the Man of Steel award in 2011, when he was regarded as one of the best half-backs in the world.

He is one of three Super League players who have tested positive for cocaine in 2017, along with Castleford full-back Hardaker and Wakefield prop Adam Walker.