Rangi Chase handed third drugs ban

Former England international Rangi Chase has been handed the third drugs ban of his career.

Chase, 36, tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine via a urine sample taken following Rochdale’s League 1 match against North Wales in February.

He admitted having taken cocaine in an out of competition social setting and was handed a three-month ban.

But he is free to play, as the ban was backdated to the date he was provisionally suspended, October 31.

The 2011 Man of Steel winner spent the last two seasons with Rochdale, following a brief spell with West Wales Raiders.

Earlier in his career, he lit up Super League with both Castleford and Salford, before spells at Leigh and Widnes.

It was shortly after signing for Widnes on a permanent deal that Chase tested positive for cocaine after a test following a game against Wakefield.

That resulted in him receiving a two-year ban, but he returned to the game in 2019 with Doncaster.

He was also handed a one-month ban for breaching anti-doping rules at the beginning of last year.

What was said about Rangi Chase and his case

UKAD Chief Executive, Jane Rumble said: “Mr Chase has previously completed a Substance of Abuse treatment programme, which supports athletes to recognise the dangers of substance misuse and identify where to turn to for support in the future.

“We recognise the harmful side-effects and consequences of using so-called ‘recreational drugs’. While it has been established that this athlete did not use a Prohibited Substance to improve performance, his use of it outside of sport has nevertheless led to a ban.

“When taking such drugs, athletes risk their livelihood, their reputation as professional sportspersons, the loss of respect from teammates and the trust of the sport they compete in.”

Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-specified substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The 2022 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance of Abuse’.

The RFL added: “We support UKAD in their determination to ensure that sport is clean, and therefore in their testing programme for recreational as well as performance-enhancing drugs.

“We continue to prioritise education of players at all levels, working with our charity partners RL Cares, regarding the harmful side-effects of recreational drugs, as well as the potential impact of a positive test.”

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