CASTLEFORD, England — Zak Hardaker, one of England’s top rugby league players, was provisionally suspended after failing a doping test and missed out on selection for the World Cup on Monday. The 25-year-old fullback, who plays for Castleford Tigers in the European Super League, tested positive for a banned substance following a game against Leeds on Sept. 8, England’s Rugby Football League said. Hardaker’s unavailability left a cloud over England’s squad announcement for the World Cup, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand from Oct. 27-Dec. 2. Fullback Sam Tomkins missed out after an injury-hit season in the Super League with Wigan. The opening game of the World Cup is between Australia and England in Melbourne.

Source: National Post October 09, 2017 09:00 UTC