Gigot returns after reduced ban

Catalans Dragons full-back Tony Gigot has had his two-year suspension reduced to three months by the French Rugby League Federation doping department.

The Perpignan club were stunned in February when Gigot tested negative but was banned for two years after an “inappropriate exchange” with a doping department member.

Dragons chief executive Christophe Jouffret released a statement at the time pleading their players innocence and insisted the 26-year-old had behaved well.

After appealing the ban, Gigot has had his suspension reduced to three months, which he has already served, and is available for tonight’s match against Leigh.

A club statement read: “The club can confirm the reduction of Tony Gigot suspension following his appeal of the FFR XIII anti-doping Department decision. The ban has been reduced to three months, meaning the Catalans fullback is now available. The RFL has also given the greenlight and registered Gigot again in the 25 man squad. Gigot, who missed the first 7 games, could make his first appearance of the 2017 season tonight at Leigh.”