Championship player handed three-year ban for failed drugs test

Dewsbury Rams player Jonathan Magrin has been banned for three years by UK Anti-Doping after testing positive for a banned substance.

Magrin, 28, has represented Malta and Jamaica at international level and also featured in Super League for London Broncos.

The forward has also played for Sheffield Eagles in between two stints with Bradford Bulls, while also having three seperate loan spells with London Skolars over the course of his career.

Most recently at Championship side Dewsbury, Magrin tested positive following a sample collected on the 27th May 2022.

A UKAD statement on the RFL website reads: “Rugby league player Jonathan Magrin has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following a first Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a banned substance in his urine Sample.

“On 27 May 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Magrin at a Dewsbury Rams squad training session. Analysis of Mr Magrin’s urine Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs).”

One of the drugs that Magrin tested positive for was testosterone, which the statement explained as illegal.

“Testosterone is listed under section 1(1) of the 2022 WADA Prohibited List as an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid, and is prohibited at all times.”

Magrin was suspended on August 5th after the test results were processed.

“Mr Magrin responded on 15 August 2022 admitting to administering an intramuscular injection containing testosterone to treat a recurring knee injury. Mr Magrin did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption for testosterone.”

UKAD Director of Operations, Pat Myhill added: “Athletes are strictly liable for what they put in their bodies. This case serves as a reminder to always check your medications.

“Athletes must first check Global DRO to view the anti-doping status of their medication. If a substance or method is prohibited in sport, athletes should use UKAD’s online TUE Wizard to find out when and how to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.”

His ban started on August 5th, 2022 and will expire at midnight on August 4th, 2025.