RUGBY league player Jamie Dallimore has been banned from all sport for three years after traces of a banned substance were found in a urine sample.

The former Barrow Raiders half back’s out of competition urine sample, collected by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) in October 2021, returned a finding for clenbuterol.

Clenbuterol is an anabolic agent used to gain muscle and burn fat.

The drug is banned at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

READ MORE: Ex-Barrow Raiders half back slapped with three year ban for doping violation

When asked by UKAD about the circumstances of the finding, Dallimore said it was likely the result was due to him having taken a tablet given to him by a friend to “help boost energy and burn fat” while playing amateur football on October 14, 2021.

In a statement to his fans and supporters, Jamie Dallimore said: "Firstly I would like to thank Barrow Raiders, as my club I informed them I'd failed a urine sample before my new contract started because I didn't feel right that I should be paid knowing what was coming in the next few weeks.

"Steve and the club allowed me to issue a statement about why I couldn't be part of the coming season, they did that to protect me, to buy me some time when really they could have thrown me out the door because I'd let them down, my teammates down, my coach down and my family down and none more than myself down.

"I tried to get ready for what was coming so I held my hands up and did the right thing. I was guilty of something I can only put down to pure stupidity on my behalf so when UKAD asked me how I got there I held my hands up and went guilty.

"I just want to put it out there before the trolls or anybody else feels the need to have their 10 pence worth.

"Barrow Raiders, thank you for the last six years of memories, the ups and downs. I've loved nothing more than watching you in the Championship and doing so well.

"My family, thank you for understanding, I now look forward to the next chapter in my life. I have everything I need, my two boys and Steph.

"Thank you."

UKAD had intended to ban the 33-year-old for four years, but reduced the ban by one year due to his early admission and acceptance of the charges.

The ban commenced on December 16, 2021 and will expire at midnight on December 15, 2024.

Speaking on the case, UKAD director of operations, Pat Myhill said: “Athletes are solely responsible for what goes into their bodies. They should never assume that something is safe to take without checking it first.

“There are potentially damaging side effects to using anabolic agents, such as clenbuterol, not just to an athlete’s career and their sport but to their own health. It is simply not worth the risk.

"We encourage all athletes to take the time to check what they are taking and to learn more about the rules and their responsibilities via our educational resources on the UKAD website or the 100 per cent me app.”