Melrose back Sam Chalmers son of former Scotland and British Lions fly-half Craig has been banned from rugby for two years for doping offences.
The 19-year-old student has apologised for his actions after being handed the ban following an International Rugby Board hearing, during which he admitted using a pill called Pro-SD.
Chalmers tested positive for methandienone and stanozolol both listed as anabolic androgenic steroids in the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Authority while on duty with the Scotland Under-20 squad ahead of a test with Ireland back in May.
The match was a warm-up for the Junior World Cup in France and Chalmers did not play in the tournament, while he has also not featured in any of Melrose’s’ three Scottish Premiership fixtures so far.
In a statement, he said: “First of all I would like to apologise to my club Melrose RFC, my team-mates, the Scottish Rugby Union, my friends and my family.
“I am disappointed in myself and have to take personal responsibility for this incident, which has ultimately led me to being banned from the game I have grown up with and love so much.
“I have been stupid, naive and impressionable and would urge other young players not to give in to the constant pressure to be bigger in the manner that I did over a two-week period in April last season.
“After my experience, I would certainly encourage young players to seek out the correct advice from the right places before taking any kind of supplement or product.
“I hope over time I can be forgiven for my mistake.”
An IRB board committee gave Chalmers credit for offering to take part in an anti-doping education programme.