On 24 February, UK Anti-Doping banned former Swansea RFC player Dean Colclough from all sports for eight years. Their independent panel made the ruling after it was adjudged that Colclough was guilty of possessing and trafficking steroids through his company, Dragon Nutrition Ltd.

Among the charges, one related to the case of 19-year-old Scottish utility back Sam Chalmers, who was banned in 2013 for using the anabolic androgenic steroids stanozolol and methandienone, which the panel believe were bought from Colclough’s company. Chalmers was tested at an international camp with Scotland U20 and once he was found guilty he was banned for two years.

Colclough denies the charges, but has received the largest ban UKAD has ever handed down.

This story is a timely one. Rugby World has just published its own report into the state of doping in rugby – looking at the risks, the high profile cases and stark warning from groups like the RFU, UKAD and former players. In this in-depth feature is the case of Chalmers’ violation, as well as others from England, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. There is also a look at the level of education and what risks face amateur and junior players in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

To read Rugby World’s findings and to see where you can find out more information yourself, purchase the latest edition of the magazine, in shops Tuesday 4 March.