Rangi Chase serves one month ban from sport after failing a drugs test

Photo: Rochdale Hornets

Rangi Chase

Rochdale Hornets player Rangi Chase has served a one-month ban from all sport after traces of cocaine were found in his urine last year.

UK anti-doping (UKAD) confirmed earlier this week that the halfback had received a one-month ban after completing a substance of abuse treatment programme.

The former Man of Steel, who re-signed for Hornets in September of last year, is now free to play again after seeing his ban reduced from three months to one which has already been served due to his suspension in October 2021.

Chase was banned after UKAD collected an in-competition urine sample after a game between Hornets and Barrow Raiders in September.

Analysis of his urine sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, with the 35-year-old acknowledging that he had taken the drug in a private social setting.

UKAD Acting Chief Executive Pat Myhill confirmed that Chase is the first athlete to complete the programme and see his ban reduced.

He said: “In line with the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code, we are placing a greater emphasis on the health and wellbeing of athletes to assist them with getting the help they may need.

“We are working hard to educate them on the harmful side-effects and consequences of drug-use.

“Athletes need to be aware that even when they use so-called ‘recreational drugs’ in a social setting, they risk damaging their health, as well as their careers, and can be banned from sport.”

Steve Kerr, CEO of Rochdale Hornets, said in a statement: "Rochdale Hornets are aware of the circumstances regarding an out of competition Anti-Doping Rule Violation in reference to Rangi Chase last year.

"The club is supporting the player's rehabilitation in conjunction with Sporting Chance and with the support of the RFL and will make no further comment in relation to the matter."