Friday 10 February 2017 15:39, UK
Catalans Dragons have revealed full-back Tony Gigot has been banned by the French Federation for "inappropriate behaviour" towards an anti-doping officer.
The Dragons say the incident took place during the France national team's training camp at Le Bacares in the build-up to last October's Test match against England in Avignon.
Gigot, who did not fail a drugs test, is being backed by the Super League club and will appeal the suspension.
Catalans chief executive Christophe Jouffret said: "We are stunned by this sanction for a controlled player whose results are negative.
"We will do our best to support our player and to help him to come back in the team as soon as possible."
Gigot, who played in all but two of the Dragons' 32 league and cup matches in 2016, was in coach Laurent Frayssinous' squad for Saturday's opening Betfred Super League match against Warrington in Perpignan but a spokesman confirmed he would now be replaced.
In a statement, the Catalans said: "This anti-doping control, carried out outside the activities of the Dragons club, took place during the France team training Camp at Le Barcares on October 5, 2016.
"Our player is reproached with an inappropriate exchange with the agent of the French anti-doping agency during the control done in the presence of several witnesses who were able to confirm the good behaviour of our player.
"The Catalans Dragons club intends to assure its total support to Tony Gigot who has declared to appeal the decision. There will be no further comment issued by Catalans Dragons on this matter."
