Scotland star Adam Walker handed 20-month drugs ban

Scotland forward Adam Walker has been suspended for 20 months after testing positive for cocaine.

The 27-year-old tested positive for cocaine after Wakefield Trinity’s win over Widnes Vikings in Super League last year.

The ban is backdated to July 14, 2017, meaning Walker can return to all sport on March 13, 2019.

Walker has been suspended by the Rugby Football League since August last year under the UK Anti-Doping protocol.

UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said: “While UKAD accepts ADRVs (anti-doping rule violations) don’t always stem from a deliberate intention to cheat, athletes must always adhere to the principle of strict liability.

“Cocaine is banned in-competition and athletes are solely responsible for what is in their system, regardless of whether there is an intention to cheat or not.

“Sportspeople must be aware using cocaine, even out-of-competition, will put them at risk of breaking the anti-doping rules and receiving a long ban.”

Walker was named in the Bravehearts’ squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, but was later dropped following his suspension.