Australian rugby star Xerri tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs

SYDNEY - Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri is facing a possible multi-year suspension after testing positive for several banned performance-enhancing substances late last year.

The National Rugby League (NRL) provisionally suspended the 19-year-old under the the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy on Tuesday, just two days before the season restarts.

The NRL said in a statement that Xerri was tested by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) on 25 November 2019, and returned a positive A-sample for exogenous testosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a,17b-diol, which are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy.

Xerri is prohibited from participating the NRL game while the provisional suspension is in place. Under the Anti-Doping Policy, he now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed.

A Sharks statement confirmed that Xerri has been stood down.

"Bronson has been stood down from training and playing responsibilities while the process runs its course," it said.

"The club has been in contact with Bronson and has offered him full welfare support as he deals with this situation."