Rugby players get 9-month ban for drug test refusal

LONDON: Bath rugby players Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins each received a nine-month ban after being found guilty of misconduct by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in failing to submit to doping tests. The RFU ruled Monday that the players failed to “submit to drugs tests on two separate occasions when requested by Bath Rugby” after an end-of-season party on May 10. The RFU said the players’ good character ensured they were not suspended for 15 months. English rugby’s governing body said in a statement: “If the three players had taken the test, there is no reason to suppose the results would not have been negative and no further action would have been taken.” The trio can play again on February 28. They have 14 days to appeal. ap