It has been announced that Rangi Chase has been suspended from all training and playing activity at Widnes Vikings after testing positive for the use of cocaine.

Widnes were informed of the result after Chase was tested following his sides 36-8 defeat against Wakefield Trinity on the 14th July. Having been told of the immediate suspension by the UK Anti-Doping body and the Rugby Football League the Vikings stated that 'The club fully respects this suspension and are currently reviewing this matter.’

If the results of the blood test are upheld then Chase is likely to be dealt with harshly by the authorities.

The precedent was set in the case of then Wigan’s Gareth Hock who received a two year suspension for a similar offence. If Chase faces the same penalty it would make him thirty-three before he could return to the game.