Sam Chalmers gets two year ban for doping

Melrose back Sam Chalmers — the son of former Scotland and British Lions fly-half Craig — has been banned from rugby for two years for doping offences.

The 19-year-old student has apologised for his actions after being handed the ban following an International Rugby Board hearing during which he admitted using a pill called Pro-SD.

Chalmers tested positive for methandienone and stanozolol, which are both listed as anabolic androgenic steroids in the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Authority, while on duty with the Scotland Under-20s squad ahead of a Test with Ireland back in May.

The match was a warm-up for the Junior World Cup in France and Chalmers did not play in the tournament, while he has also not featured in any of Melrose's' three Scottish Premiership fixtures so far.

In a statement given to Press Association Sport, he said: "First of all I would like to apologise to my club Melrose RFC, my team-mates, the Scottish Rugby Union, my friends and my family.

“I am disappointed in myself and have to take personal responsibility for this incident which has ultimately led me to being banned from the game I have grown up with and love so much.

“I have been stupid, naive and impressionable and would urge other young players not to give in to the constant pressure to be bigger in the manner that I did over a two-week period in April last season.

“After my experience I would certainly encourage young players to seek out the correct advice from the right places before taking any kind of supplement or product.

“I hope over time I can be forgiven for my mistake and I can come back to compete in the game I love so much.”

CRAIG CHALMERS STATEMENT: "Sam has made a huge mistake, but anyone that knows him will tell you what a pleasant, polite young man he is.

“I must point out that Sam’s family in no way condone what he has done, but we will be there to support and help him through this difficult time.

“Sam has always had challenges to face up to over the years. He is anaphylactic when he was diagnosed with a nut allergy at two years old which can be fatal if not treated correctly and a number of other allergies at the age of nine years old.

“At 14 he was then diagnosed with type 1 diabetes which was a shock and difficult to deal with. That was not going to stop him from playing rugby and if you speak to the coaches he has worked with they will tell you about his commitment and his desire to improve.

“Sam is a competitive, ambitious and hard-working young man who now faces the biggest challenge of his life. I believe the lessons Sam has learned from this experience will only make him stronger and when he does return to rugby you will see a player who has matured.

“My message to young players would be not to take any short cuts. These products may not only damage your career, but they can also damage your health. Get the right advice from the right people before you take any product or supplement.”