Former Raider Briggs banned for two years

Richards Briggs in action for Worthing in 2011

FORMER Worthing Raiders Rugby Club winger Richard Briggs has been suspended for two years by the Rugby Football Union for an anti-doping violation.

Briggs played for Raiders in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, before joining Henley in July, 2012 and he helped Henley pip Worthing to the National 2 South title last season.

The player tested positive for 19-norandrosterone (a metabolite of nandrolone) and oxandrolone, both anabolic androgenic steroids and prohibited non-specified substances, on July 16, 2013.

A disciplinary panel of Matthew Lohn, Christine Bowyer-Jones and Barry O’Driscoll suspended him from August 10, 2013 until August 9, 2015. He is free to play again the following day.

The player admitted to the offence and agreed to the case being heard on papers without attending in person.

During his period of ineligibility, Briggs may not participate in any capacity in a match and/or tournament (international or otherwise) or activity (other than authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes) authorised or organised by the International Rugby Board or any member union or tournament organiser.