Ben Harrison, who played over 200 games in Super League for Warrington Wolves, has been handed a four-year ban from all sports after testing positive for a banned substance.
Harrison returned a positive urine sample for anabolic steroid drostanolone last year, a substance that is banned at all times by World Anti-Doping.
The 34-year-old last played for Barrow in 2021 and although he admitted taking the substance, he argued the violation took place while he was retired which meant his case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel.
After a review, the panel ruled that Harrison’s use of the substance was a clear breach and he has now been provisionally banned from all sport until 10th June 2025.
UK Anti-Doping chief executive Jane Rumble said: “Drostanolone is an anabolic steroid prohibited at all times and has no place within sport.
“Steroids can cause serious mental and physical health problems, are open to abuse and addiction and can impact on an athletes’ career and reputation.
“This case illustrates that athletes returning from retirement can and will be tested and be liable for the consequences under the anti-doping rules.”
It’s a disappointing end for Harrison who was a consistent Super League player for well over a decade, winning the Challenge Cup on multiple occasions with Warrington.
The forward’s impressive displays led to international recognition, playing for England, England Knights and Ireland – representing the latter in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
In 2020 he signed for Barrow but after a brief stint with the Cumbrian outfit, Harrison departed and has now likely played his last game of professional rugby league following today’s verdict.
