News

Cornwall RLFC can confirm that a member of its playing squad has received and served a one-month ban from all sport following an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) for the presence of a prohibited substance in his urine sample.

On May 21, 2023, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an in-competition urine sample from Harry Aaronson, at the Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale, following Cornwall’s Betfred League 1 match against Rochdale Hornets.

Aaronson’s sample, after analysis from UKAD, returned an adverse analytical finding and on July 3, 2023, he was notified by UKAD that he may have committed an ADRV, in violation of the UK anti-doping rules. He was then provisionally suspended from this date.

On July 7, 2023 and July 14, 2023, Aaronson admitted the ADRV whilst in an out-of-competition setting and he was subsequently charged with the offence on September 1, 2023.

Aaronson accepted the charge on September 4, 2023 and informed UKAD that he had completed an educational course, thus reducing his three-month suspension to one.

Owing to the time Aaronson spent provisionally suspended, his period of ineligibility has been served and is now free to return to play all sports.

Cornwall RLFC does not condone substance abuse by any of its playing squad. However, a rehabilitative response to a situation of this nature was deemed suitable after Cornwall RLFC conducted a thorough internal investigation; the club also understands its responsibilities in regard to the welfare of its players when reaching a conclusion.

The player in question cooperated with UKAD during every step of this process, whilst the club have acted in a likewise manner with the Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, who we thank for their support.

The club will make no further comment on this matter.