Drug-ban Allen joins Oldham

DAVE ALLEN, granted a new lease of rugby life with Oldham, is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

The 23-year-old back-row forward, so highly-rated in his Wigan Warriors days, will rebuild a career shattered by a two-year drugs ban with the Roughyeds next season after signing for the National League Two club despite stiff competition.

“I’m made up that Oldham have given me this chance and I intend to take it with both hands,” said Allen, who has signed a one-year deal following the expiration of his suspension earlier this month.

“I want to make up for lost time. I just want to get playing again, and enjoying my rugby.”

Having played for Widnes in the 29-16 loss to Hull KR in the NL1 Grand Final of 2006, Allen was randomly drug tested after the game and was later found guilty of having a metabolite of cocaine in his system.

The RFL initially gave the Widnes-born star a one-year ban but that was doubled following a challenge by UK Sport, with independent arbitration handing Allen a mandatory two-year suspension under the World Anti-Doping Code.

Last October, the player took his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but failed in his appeal against the increased punishment.

As far as Oldham are concerned, Allen is a player of “immense talent” who has served his time.

“The Oldham club does not condone the use of drugs, recreational or performance enhancing, and we have a very strong stance on that,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton.

“In David’s case he made a mistake and paid a heavy price for it. He is a player of immense talent and at the time he was banned the rugby world was his oyster.

“When the two-year ban was up about ten days ago several clubs were chasing him, but we are happy to say he has chosen Oldham.”

Having made his senior debut for Wigan aged only 16 in the Good Friday derby against St Helens, the promising Allen played 23 times for the Super League club in 2005 before leaving for Widnes along with another player now at Oldham, James Coyle. He turned out 25 times for the Vikings in the 2006 season, scoring 10 tries. 

THE commemorative white replica shirts featured in last night’s Chronicle are being produced by Rugby Oldham, with all profits going back into rugby within the town. Orders can be placed by calling (0161) 620 9583, (01457) 875084 or 07900 260295.