Connect with us

Rugby League News

‘It’s almost as if honest communication actually works’ – Ex-Leigh prop Jamie Acton reveals text message he was sent following ban

Leigh Centurions 30-0 Huddersfield Giants

Former Leigh Centurions forward Jamie Acton has taken to social media to reveal a text message that he was sent after he was handed a two-year ban by the RFL for a backdated drugs case.

The ex-Leigh forward, who who played 95 games for the Centurions between 2014 and 2018, was handed the two-year infringement following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation for the presence of a banned substance in a urine sample, discovered after re-analysis of the sample.

On 5 December 2014, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an Out-of-Competition urine sample from Mr Acton at a Leigh Centurions’ training session. Initial analysis of Mr Acton’s sample did not detect any prohibited substances. UKAD instructed the Laboratory to send the sample to its long-term storage facility.

On 5 February 2021, UKAD instructed the Laboratory to conduct retrospective GHRF re-analysis of the sample. This analysis returned Adverse Analytical Findings for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6 (‘GHRP-6’) and its metabolite GHRP-6 (2-5) free acid. GHRP-6 is a non-Specified substance and is prohibited at all times.

It was the first UKAD case where Adverse Analytical Findings have been returned after re-analysis following the long-term storage of a sample.

But, Acton remains an outspoken figure on social media and revealed a text message from the governing body about a new role set up for extra player representation.

The text message read: “GMB are pleased to announce that the RFL and Rugby League Cares are supporting the GMB Union and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) in a new full-time appointment as GMB/RLPA Representative.

“This is a key appointment to lead and provide expert representation nationally on all negotiations and membership campaigns relevant to all professional clubs that are members of the RFL or participate in RFL competitions.

“The GMB/RLPA Representative will also inform, consult and achieve general consensus amongst membership on issues and campaigns relevant to the sport, including working with the RL Cares team of Welfare Officers in their initiatives to build and strengthen the overall welfare programme for players and support staff within all professional clubs that are members of the RFL or participate in RFL competitions.”

Acton himself wrote on the story: “2 days after my video the RFL coincidentally decide to reboot the players union? It’s almost as if honest communication actually works.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Rugby League News