Ben Harrison given four-year ban by UKAD after failing drugs test

Former Warrington forward Ben Harrison has been given a four-year ban by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after failing a drugs test.

UKAD says an out-of-competition urine sample taken from Harrison at a training session with Championship club Barrow in April 2021 found traces of drostanolone, an anabolic androgenic steroid which is on World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.

Harrison, 34, who played for Ireland in the 2008 World Cup, admitted to the doping violation in July last year but his legal representatives argued that he had taken drostanolone after he retired from the game.

He then came out of retirement in September 2020, signing with Barrow for the 2021 season, and UKAD says scientific experts concluded he “most likely” administered the drug after that time.

His suspension has been backdated to June 11, 2021, the date of his provisional suspension, and will expire at midnight on June 10, 2025.

UKAD chief executive Jane Rumble said: “Drostanolone is an anabolic steroid, prohibited at all times, and has no place within sport.

“Steroids can cause serious mental and physical health problems, are open to abuse and addiction, and can impact on an athletes’ career and reputation.

“This case illustrates that athletes returning from retirement can and will be tested and be liable for the consequences under the Anti-Doping Rules.”

READ: Huddersfield full-back Jake Connor undergoes major knee surgery

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast