Former Halifax rugby league player Sam Barlow suspended from all sport for four years

Barlow, who played for Halifax RLFC and Leigh Centurions RLFC, intentionally disrupted the doping control process by obstructing a UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) doping control officer during an out-of-competition test attempt at his home last July.

An independent national anti-doping panel found this was a violation of anti-doping rules. He appealed against the decision but it was upheld by the panel.

Barlow, from Halifax, was also subject to criminal proceedings relating to the test attempt and on May 23, pleaded guilty to common assault at Bradford Crown Court.

UKAD’s Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: “The outcome of this case sends a clear message that we will not tolerate obstructive or threatening behaviour towards any of our personnel. Whilst incidents such as this are rare, the obstruction of the doping control process in any way is, and will be, taken very seriously.

“Our role is to deter and detect those who cheat the system and protect everyone’s right to clean and honest sport. We cannot do this on our own and we ask all athletes, support staff and even family members to work with us to support the testing process so we can continue to protect the very essence of sport - fair play.”

Barlow is banned from all sport until November 2019.