FORMER Newport, Cross Keys and Newbridge flanker Carl Townsend has been given a four-year suspension for a doping offence while playing for Wales sevens.

The 27-year-old from Cardiff underwent an in-competition urine test at the Rugby Europe Grand Prix 7s in Moscow in June and his sample was found to contain banned substance oxandrolone.

The player accepted that he had committed an anti-doping rule violation and waived his right to an oral hearing and was slapped with a four-year ban that will run until June 29, 2019.

"Players are solely responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body and this decision sends a clear message to all players on the risks of taking a banned substance," read a World Rugby statement.

"This particular case also highlights the dangers of using supplements and the need for players to be vigilant and aware of what they put into their bodies at all times, as the consequences to their careers could be significant."