South African lock sacked by Stade Français
UPDATE: South African lock Hendré Stassen is no longer a Stade Français player after testing positive for a banned substance.
The 21-year-old Stassen was provisionally banned by his club on July 12 after failing a random test following a Top 14 match in mid-May.
A few weeks later, it was then revealed that his B-sample also tested positive for the banned substance.
In a statement on Friday, Stade Français confirmed that Stassen was relieved of his playing duties with the club with immediate effect.
“The results of the second test carried out on July 18, 2019 at the request of Hendré Stassen were communicated to the latter on July 22, 2019 and confirmed the result of the first sample,” said the statement.
“Given the approach and actions taken by the French Agency for the Fight against Doping and damage to the image of Stade Français Paris, the Club has initiated a procedure for breach of the contract of its player which has resulted his dismissal for serious misconduct.
“The club wishes to recall that it is fully committed to the fight against doping and that it is committed to exemplary flawlessness so that it cannot tolerate the slightest doubt about it.
“As a result, Hendre Stassen is no longer a player at Stade Français Paris. No further statements will be made on this subject.”
📃 Communiqué officiel du club ⬇ #SFParis
— Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) September 27, 2019
