RHYS Pugsley was one of Welsh sport's most promising stars when he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.At 18 years old, he was already an international rugby league player and on the cusp of making his Super League debut for Wigan Warriors.The powerful forward was highly regarded by all at the DW Stadium when he failed an out-of-competition test in April 2014.Traces of metabolites of methandienone were found in the teenager's system and UK Anti-Doping chiefs bannished him from the sport for two years - two days before he was due to make a first senior start against Leeds Rhinos.Pugsley branded his punishment
"the worst thing that has ever happened to me", but refuses to wollow in self pity."There hasn't been a day gone by when I haven't woken up and regretted doing what I did," he said."I want to right my wrongs and prove to people I am still worth believing in. I was young and I made a stupid mistake."I didn't plan to take drugs. It's not something I did. It was one occasion when I took a couple of tablets. I still don't know why I did it. "I didn't need to take drugs. I was delevoping fine and was due to make my Wigan debut against Leeds Rhinos."Two days before the match my results came back and they were positive. It was the worst thing to ever happen to me."I am relieved my ban is over. During the last two years, I have gone to university and I'm studying for a degree in human sciences, but rugby league has always been my passion.
"Now 21, Pugsley's ban ends in May, and Whitehaven have moved quickly to sign the player they see as Super League standard to a one-year contract.But Pugsley isn't looking that far into the future, and said:
"I cannot wait to get out on the pitch for Whitehaven. I know not everyone will support me, but I will be doing my best to prove myself.
"I am a big, physical lad, and I cannot thank Whitehaven enough for giving me a second chance. I am determined to pay them back."I'm not looking too far into the future, but playing in Super League and for Wales again is my dream."I am determined to thank my friends and family, who have been an incredible support during my darkest times, by being the best rugby league player I can be."Haven's top brass admitted they thought long and hard about the message his signature sends out, and said in a statement: "We understand signing Rhys will split opinion."Whitehaven RLFC in no way supports the use of drugs of any kind - performance-enhancing or recreational.
"The decision to sign Rhys was one we thought long and hard about. It was made with rugby in mind."Rhys has held his hands up and admitted what he did. He has shown remorse and has served his time."We have spoken at length with Rhys and now have the chance to help a young man get his career back on track.Pugsley is banned from all rugby league activity until March when he can start training with his new team-mates from the 15th.He will pen a one-year deal with Whitehaven, and could make his debut at London Broncos on May 22.
(Story by John Fuller Whitehaven News)
Amanda Hewer
GM
