Catalans full-back Tony Gigot has been banned for two years for the second time by the French Anti Doping Agency.

Gigot was initially suspended for two years in February, but the ban was reduced to three months on appeal and he returned to the Dragons team in April.

However, the club have confirmed this evening that he has again been handed a two-year ban for an inappropriate exchange during an anti-doping test while playing for France.

The statement read: “The club can confirm the suspension of Tony Gigot for two years following the decision of the French anti-doping Agency.

“Despite a negative control, the player is reproached with an inappropriate exchange during an anti-doping control carried out during the France team training Camp at Le Barcarès on October 5, 2016.”

Catalans Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch said : “The club is shocked by this decision. Tony Gigot underwent three anti-doping tests in six months and all of them were negative. The club will continue to support and protect Tony in this tough period. Our lawyer is studying the possibility of appealing this decision.”