Hull KR’s Thomas Minns fails drugs test

Hull KR are offering support to centre Thomas Minns after he failed a drugs test following their recent win over Huddersfield.

Minns, 23, could be facing a two-year ban from the sport for testing positive for a banned, non-performance enhancing substance.

A statement issued by the club revealed that Minns had taken the substance on Mother’s Day, the first since his mum passed away last July, a subject he spoke about candidly in an interview with the Hull Daily Mail earlier this year.

Minns said: “I want to personally apologise to everyone involved who I have let down and disappointed.

“I was low and depressed on the day and I felt at the time I needed to do it to get through. I now totally accept that it was huge mistake which could cost me my career.

“I can now only ask for forgiveness and for my arguments of mitigation to be heard and understood.

“I do not wish for sympathy. All I ask is that I am listened to and I can make everyone aware that I did not take this substance to enhance my performance at rugby in anyway.”

Minns has scored four tries in 10 appearances this season and was hastily withdrawn from the squad that played Warrington last week after the club received news of the failed test.

He will plead guilty to the offence and ask for a hearing to mitigate his penalty.

Hull KR say that he has not been suspended by the club, but has been given an extended period of leave.

Chief executive, Michael Smith, said: “Whilst we are obviously disappointed by this as a club, we feel it is very important to stress that this is not just a difficult time for Hull Kingston Rovers, but also for Thomas himself.

“Thomas has expressed his regret and spoken of how he has found life away from the sport of rugby challenging in recent times, particularly since the tragic passing of his mother last year.

“Thomas has been a much valued member of the Robins squad and is a well-liked young man by all at the club. These are obviously difficult times.

“Following discussions with him since failing the test, we are clear that our priority and focus at this time must be to offer him our support.

“We will be speaking to the relevant bodies and the RFL about how we can now best support Thomas at this time.

“Any decisions over his playing future will be considered at a later stage and are not a matter for now.

“As a club, Hull Kingston Rovers prides itself of the unity of its playing staff and our commitment to player welfare.

“That is why our priority at present is to ensure Thomas is provided with the support he needs.”