Whitehaven’s Todd gets four-year drug ban

Whitehaven front-rower John Todd has been banned for four years by UK Anti-Doping after failing a drugs test.

The 23-year-old prop tested positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, following an out-of-competition test on November 27, 2015.

The positive test came just days after he joined Haven from amateur club Ellenborough Rangers.

Todd admitted the rule violation.

“This case continues to highlight the worrying and growing trend of steroid use amongst young men,” UKAD’s director of legal Graham Arthur said.

“UKAD works alongside the Rugby Football League to provide players with vital anti-doping education and resources to ensure that they are aware of the risks that steroid use poses to both their health and their sporting careers.”

Todd is suspended until December 17, 2019, with the ban backdated from December 18, 2015.