Championship side Featherstone Rovers have confirmed that forward James Lockwood has been suspended from all sport for two years after breaking new Rugby Football League anti-doping rules.
The 29-year-old, who tested positive for growth hormone GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin) during an out-of-competition match last November, will not be allowed to compete again until March 2017.
Lockwood is the first player to be punished in the United Kingdom for the use of Pralmorelin, while he is the second Rovers player to have been banned for two years following Shaun Pick's expulsion in February.
A club statement read: "Featherstone Rovers would like to reaffirm its support of the RFL and UK Anti-Doping testing process and the success it is having in ridding the sport of those who seek to gain an unfair advantage both in and out of competition.
"Both of the recent suspensions were the result of UKAD tests in November 2014 and all players have once again been reminded of their responsibilities to themselves, their team-mates and most importantly our club.
"Whilst those players who test positive face a lengthy spell away from the game, it is the club's image which is tarnished and as such we will do everything possible, in partnership with the RFL, to advise and educate players as to the harm they can do their bodies and their career should they choose to follow this path."
Lockwood's last appearance for Featherstone came in a 40-4 defeat against Bradford Bulls in March.
