Gigot banned for two years after suspension u-turn

Catalans full-back Tony Gigot has been banned for two-years, for a second time, according to the French club.

Gigot, 26, was suspended on the eve of the season for alleged “inappropriate behaviour” towards an anti-doping official.

He appealed, and the ban was reduced to three months, with the other 21 months suspended, enabling him to return to action in April.

However, a Catalans club statement has revealed that the two-year ban has been re-instated by the French anti-doping agency.

They said: “The club is shocked by this decision. Tony Gigot underwent three anti-doping tests in six months and all of them were negative. 

The club will continue to support and protect Tony in this tough period. Our lawyer is studying the possibility of appealing this decision.”

The incident occurred during a France national team training camp at Le Barcares in October 2016.

It is, as yet, unconfirmed whether the two-year ban is backdated or whether the three months served earlier this year will be included.

Catalans are next in action this Saturday at home to London Broncos.