Callum Marriott receives three-year ban

Former Rochdale Hornets player Callum Marriott has been banned from all sport for a period of three-years after prohibited substances were found in his urine.

On 16 February 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an out-of-competition urine sample from Marriott at a Rochdale Hornets’ training session.

Analysis returned an adverse analytical finding for ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator, and metabolites of GW1516, a metabolic modulator.

Both of these non-specified substances are banned at all times.

On 4 May 2022, UKAD issued the player with a provisional suspension from sport and on 17 June 2022, UKAD charged Marriott with the commission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of prohibited substances.

Marriott admitted the ADRVs and accepted the asserted period of Ineligibility.
 

Read more: Former Rochdale Hornets player Ryan Forshaw receives three year doping banPublished: 30 November 2022

In accordance with ADR Article 10.8.1, Marriott was able to reduce the four-year asserted period of ineligibility to three years. UKAD issued Marriott with a three-year ban, which is deemed to have commenced on 4 May 2022 and will expire at midnight on 3 May 2025.

Steve Kerr, CEO of Rochdale Hornets, said: "Naturally we are disappointed to learn of Callum’s ban from the game following an Anti-Doping Rules Violation.

"Rochdale Hornets work closely with the RFL and UKAD to ensure all players receive the relevant education. We take an active approach to helping our players understand their responsibility, making sure they adhere to the rules are supported with the right choices but also to ensure the sport remains clean and fair for all.

"Rochdale Hornets were commended by the RFL in 2022 for completing all UKAD educations programmes with all staff ahead of schedule and this is something we will continue to strive for year on year."

Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Pat Myhill said: “Athletes have a responsibility to themselves, their teammates, and the sport to make sure that they are adhering to the Anti-Doping Rules. Athletes are reminded that they are solely responsible for what goes into their bodies.  

“Supplements are never 100% risk-free and may contain prohibited substances, which is why we recommend to athletes that they put food first and approach supplements with caution.” 

The Rugby Football League added: “The RFL continues to work closely with UKAD to ensure that Rugby League players at all levels can be sure that the sport is clean and fair.

“Through education, we make clear to all players that doping is unacceptable, and they are responsible for ensuring that they adhere to the rules – and that the testing programme will catch out transgressors, and impose stiff penalties.

“In this instance, the punishment has been modified as a result of a prompt admission of liability.”