Rugby club's anti-drug message

Penygraig released a statement saying it would not condone drug use

A rugby club under investigation after its players refused to take a drugs test has said it would never condone the use of banned substances.

The players of Penygraig RFC gave a blanket refusal when asked to provide samples for a drug test by regulatory body UK Sport following a game last week.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has launched an investigation and a police officer, who is chairman of the club, has been moved to a temporary post in the force.

Neither the committee nor the club would ever condone the use of drugs by its players

Penygraig RFC statement

All 22 players face the threat of being banned from the game for at least two years because of the refusal, which came after Penygraig's victory in the Silver Ball Cup against Pontypridd.

But on Wednesday, the Rhondda-based club, who play in Division Three East in the Welsh league, issued a statement.

It said: "Penygraig Rugby Football Club has a proud tradition both in respect of playing rugby and service to the community since its inception in 1977.

"Neither the committee nor the club have ever, or would ever, condone the use of drugs by its players whether it be for so called "recreational" or performance-enhancing purposes.

The club is subject of a WRU investigation

"Since the circumstances in which UK Sport requested blanket drug tests on the Penygraig Team and the players' refusal to comply are the subject of investigation by the WRU, the committee feels that it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time."

A team from UK Sport was asked by the WRU to carry out the tests on the Penygraig players after it received information from the police.

But a UK Sport spokesperson said there had been a "blanket refusal" by the players to take the tests, and officials left without taking any samples.

UK Sport, which carries out drug testing for the ruling bodies of a number of sports, said the "collective actions" of the Penygraig club were a breach of rugby regulations.

An inquiry involving the club - which has two more police officers among its players - was then launched by the WRU.

'Temporary post'

South Wales Police has confirmed that two of the Penygraig players are serving police officers, as is the club's chairman, Neil Roper.

A force spokesperson said : "Following a decision by the WRU to undertake drugs testing at Penygraig rugby club, a South Wales Police officer has been moved to a temporary post within the division pending the final outcome of the WRU inquiry."

The statement added that Mr Roper's position would be reviewed in line with any findings.

Penygraig are due to play against Rhydyfelin in the President's Cup final on Wednesday.

The players have been cleared to play in the match while inquiries continue.

A spokesman for UK Sport said the WRU has received the official notification from UK Sport of the players' refusal to take drug tests.

The WRU is due to set up disciplinary hearings for each players.

The spokesman added that a decision is usually reached within three months.