Cookson handed six month ban for doping breach

Oldham’s David Cookson has been handed a six-month ban for breaching the RFL’s anti-doping regulations, but can return to action at the end of February.

Cookson, 24, began his suspension on August 31st 2012 after he was found to have provided a sample containing the stimulant methylhexaneamine, a Specified Substance on the WADA Prohibited List which means that it is susceptible to inadvertent use.

An RFL statement said: “The RFL advise all players to be aware of methylhexaneamine, which has been the cause of a number of positive tests throughout the world. Methylhexaneamine is commonly referred to by a number of alternative names including, but not limited to, forthan, forthane, floradrene, geranamine, dimethylamylamine, DMAA, dimethylpentylamine, 1,3-dimethylamylamine or geranium oil.

“All players are advised to assess the risk associated with supplements, and to take steps to minimise the risk. Players are encouraged to use a risk minimisation tool such as www.informedsport.com.”

Cookson, a back-rower or centre, made 18 appearances for Oldham in 2012.

He provided a sample containing the same substance that saw former Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson handed a three-year ban in 2011, half of which was suspended.