Rhys Webb learns doping fate, effectively ending the Welshman’s career

Former Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb’s career looks to have come to an end after being slapped with a doping ban by the French Anti-Doping Agency.

The 35-year-old tested growth hormone in July last year and has now been handed a four-year ban, which effectively brings his career to an end.

Rhys Webb’s four-year ban

The ex-British and Irish Lions and Wales number nine had just signed for Biarritz Olympique but had tested positive for growth hormone during a training session.

At the time, Webb was provisionally suspended and Webb requested an investigation on his A and B samples which both tested positive.

The 40-Test scrum-half played just once for Biarritz, who he joined from the Ospreys, scoring on debut against Colomiers before he was suspended.

His ban ends in 2027, which is likely to end his professional playing career as he will be 38 by the time he is permitted to return to the field.

During his career, Webb played for Bridgend, Aberavon, Ospreys, Toulon, Bath and Biarritz on club level.

He also played for Wales (40 times) between 2012 and 2023 and the British and Irish Lions in 2017 in two Tests.

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Statement

The French Anti-Doping Agency document announcing the ban included the following and confirmed that he also not hold a coaching position during his ban:

“Rhys Webb is prohibited from: – participating in any capacity whatsoever, in a competition authorised or organised by an organisation that is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code or one of its members, by a professional league or an organisation responsible for international or national events that are not signatories, by a sports federation, or giving rise to the award of prizes in cash or in kind.

− to participate in any activity, including training, training or exhibitions, authorised or organised by an organisation that is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code or one of its members, by a professional league or an organisation responsible for international or national events that is not a signatory, or by a sports federation, a professional league or one of their members, unless these activities are part of recognised education or rehabilitation programs related to the fight against doping.

− to exercise the functions of management staff or any administrative activity within a sports federation, a professional league, an organisation that is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code or one of their members, as well as those of a sports educator defined in Article L. 212-1 of the Sports Code.

− and to take part in any sporting activity involving national or international level athletes and financed by a public person.”

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