Warrington Wolves Josh Lynch has been suspended for 16 months for using a prohibited substance.
The 21-year-old was tested by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) in December 2023 during a training session, and the sample yielded a ‘adverse analytical finding’ (AAF) for the growth hormone ibutamoren, which is prohibited in sports.
Lynch has been out of play since Ukad issued a preliminary suspension in February 2024.
His ban will cover the time he has spent on the sidelines, so he will be available for selection in June.
Lynch accepted his interim suspension after admitting to violating anti-doping rules but intended to contest his sentence, claiming that he did not use ibutamoren knowingly or willfully.
Ukad then prosecuted Lynch, who responded by claiming that he took the chemical by accident as his companion prepared a protein drink for him using a blender.
He mentioned that a friend had previously used the blender to make their own protein drink with ibutamoren.
After instructing a scientific expert to investigate Lynch’s testimony, they found that the explanation was plausible, claiming that if he had been a frequent user of the chemical, it would have emerged in a subsequent sample given in January 2024.
The case was referred to the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) for a hearing in December 2024, where Lynch and his companion testified and were cross-examined by Ukad.
