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Former NZ Sevens player banned for two years over doping offence

December 12, 2018
07 February 2004, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, IRB New Zealand Sevens.
New Zealand vs Kenya
Nathaniel Walker during NZ's 45-0 win over Kenya on Saturday.
Please Credit: Marty Melville/Photosport

A former New Zealand Sevens player has been banned from all forms of rugby for two years due to doping.

Nathaniel Walker is one of five players to receive multi-year suspensions following an investigation of the website Clenbuterol NZ in 2014 and 2015.

The other four banned are amatuer club players Sam Barton (North Harbour), Henry Boyhan (Auckland), Paratene Edwards (Hawke's Bay) and Shaun Laurence (Tasman).

After Drug Free Sport New Zealand made allegations against Walker, who also played provincially as a halfback for Bay of Plenty, he admitted to purchasing clenbuterol in 2014.

Clenbuterol is a steroid-like drug designed to help people with chronic breathing disorders but can also increase muscle mass.

After receiving his ban, which was backdated from October 9 2017, Walker said pursuing a retired player over an incident that took place four years ago was a waste of money. 

He last played for the NZ Sevens in 2005.

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