British & Irish Lions hopeful appeals against likely career ending ban in France

04/16/2025 09:33 AM

Former Welsh international Rhys Webb has been handed a four-year suspension by the French Agency for the Fight Against Doping (AFLD) following a positive test for growth hormone last summer.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

Webb, who had recently signed with Olympic Biarritz, tested positive during a BOPB training session. The AFLD acted swiftly, provisionally suspending the scrum-half pending further investigation.

Subsequently, Webb requested a “B” sample analysis at the laboratory in Saclay, Essonne, which confirmed the presence of the banned substance.

Here is the document issued by the AFLD notifying the sanction received by Rhys Webb:

Rhys Webb has a ban on:

− to participate, in any capacity whatsoever, in a competition authorized or organized by an organization that is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code or one of its members, by a professional league or an organization responsible for non-signatory international or national events, by a sports federation, or giving rise to the award of prizes in cash or in kind

− to participate in any activity, including training, courses or exhibitions, authorized or organized by a signatory organization to the World Anti-Doping Code or one of its members, by a professional league or an organization responsible for non-signatory international or national events, or by a sports federation, a professional league or one of its members, unless these activities are part of recognized education or rehabilitation programs related to the fight against doping

− to exercise the functions of management staff or any administrative activity within a sports federation, a professional league, an organization signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code or one of their members, as well as those of sports educators defined in Article L. 212-1 of the Sports Code

− and to take part in any sporting activity involving athletes of national or international level and funded by a public person.

Rhys Webb's lawyer, Dominique Laplagne said “The sanction imposed on Rhys Webb is not final, and we have immediately instructed a lawyer at the Conseil d'Etat to lodge an appeal to overturn the AFLD's decision.

“In the meantime, Rhys wishes to reaffirm his innocence, pointing out that he has never undergone any other disciplinary procedure, of any kind, during his long career as a professional athlete and has never used any doping product, growth hormone in particular.”

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Sir Ian McGeechan Named the 5 Greatest Players in Rugby History

When Sir Ian McGeechan speaks, the rugby world listens. The legendary Lions boss – who's done it all as both player and coach – knows greatness when he sees it.

With six British & Irish Lions tours on his CV (four as head coach, two as a player), the Scotsman has spent decades rubbing shoulders with the very best. His rugby brain is unmatched, and his influence on the game? Monumental.

So when Geech picks his top five players of all time, it's a list worth taking seriously.

And yes, there's room for a few shockers – including a certain Irish centre who didn't make the cut…

Honourable mentions:

 Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – arguably the greatest centre of all time, but not quite in Geech's top five.
 JPR Williams (Wales) – a trailblazing fullback who redefined his position.

But who did make the cut? An English genius, a Welsh wizard – and a few picks that might just surprise you.

Let's break it down.

#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

A behemoth who changed the game forever, Jonah Lomu was rugby's first global superstar. The 6ft 5in, 120kg winger was a terrifying blend of speed and power, redefining what was possible for a man of his size.

Lomu's explosive performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remain the stuff of legend, as he bulldozed defences with ease, scoring four tries in an iconic semi-final against England.

McGeechan wrote: "Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby."

#4. Martin Johnson (England)

One of the most fearsome captains in rugby history, Martin Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003, cementing his place among the sport's greats.

Renowned for his towering physicality, leadership, and sheer will to win, the Leicester lock was the heart of England's forward dominance during his era. He remains the only man to have captained the Lions on two tours.

McGeechan wrote: "I think he defined an era, both for forward play and for the performances of the teams he represented."

#3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Regarded by many as the finest fly-half to ever play the game, Dan Carter's all-around excellence made him a once-in-a-generation talent.

The All Black maestro's tactical awareness, immaculate goal-kicking, and game-breaking ability saw him guide New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.

McGeechan wrote: "He really was the complete 10. His defence was immaculate, he could break himself, he could bring others into play, his kicking from hand and from tee was incredibly accurate. He also changed the way the game was played with his kicking from his own 22m and his kicking to compete. The greatest of the modern era in my opinion."

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