Hardaker banned for positive drugs test

Castleford’s Zak Hardaker has been provisionally banned from all rugby league after failing a drugs test.

The full-back provided a positive sample after the Super 8s match against Leeds Rhinos on September 8th, with the RFL notified by UK Anti-Doping last week.

Hardaker was left out of Castleford’s Grand Final squad and will now not be selected for England ahead of the World Cup at the end of this month.

The RFL’s statement reads: “The Rugby Football League can confirm that Zak Hardaker is provisionally suspended from all competition after it received notification from UK Anti-Doping that he had tested positive for a banned substance following a Super 8s game between Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos on September 8, 2017.

“He will therefore not be considered for the England Rugby League World Cup squad due to be announced today (Monday) at 12pm.

“The Rugby Football League will be making no further comment until the outcome of the case has been determined.”