Castleford Tigers end Rangi Chase ban

The Super League club confirmed that Chase’s suspension, handed down last month, related “solely to matters concerning consumption of alcohol and non-attendance at training sessions” but said that no details relating sanctions against the player would be made public.

Chase will return to training tomorrow (July 12) and said in a statement: “I would like to apologise to my team-mates, coaching staff, the club and our fans for my behaviour on this occasion and am very sorry for any negative impact this may have had.”

Chase, Super League’s reigning Man of Steel, was suspended on full pay on June 25 pending an investigation into his behaviour prior to Castleford’s away game at Leeds on June 24.

Tigers coach Ian Millward refused to shed any light on the situation at the time, pending the outcome of the investigation, and today’s announcement is the first time the club have confirmed the incident was alcohol-related.

“Castleford Tigers has today lifted the club-imposed suspension of half-back Rangi Chase,” read a Castleford statement.

“As previously notified, the club suspended Chase on full pay on June 25....This related solely to matters concerning consumption of alcohol and non-attendance at training sessions.

“The club’s internal disciplinary board, having made a full investigation into all the matters referred to it, has taken the necessary action.

“The details of the findings and any sanctions made will not be made public.

“The club are satisfied that this matter is now closed and that he can resume his full involvement at the club. As such Rangi will return to training with the first-team squad tomorrow.”