Hendré Stassen facing four-year ban

Stade Français lock Hendre Stassen is facing a ban between two to four years after testing positive for a banned substance during a random screening.

According to Stade Francais, the 21-year-old was suspended by AFLD (French Agency for the Fight Against Doping) on 10 July after undergoing a test following a Top 14 match against Montpellier on 19 May.

Midi Olympique reports that Stassen asked that a B-sample be tested by the Châtenay-Malabry laboratory, with the results being expected in the coming days.

If found positive, Stassen could face a four-year ban which would leave Stade with no choice but to terminate his contract.

Midi Olympique further reports that two choices will be offered to Stassen: contest the result and engage in a long legal battle, during which he would remain suspended temporarily, or admit his fault while trying to receive a reduced sanction,