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Rugby League

Chambers given one-month rugby league trial by Castleford

31/03/2008

Former Great Britain sprinter Dwain Chambers has been given a one-month trial to prove himself with rugby league side Castleford Tigers.

The Super League strugglers - currently bottom of the table in their first season since winning promotion last season - were given the green light to take Chambers onto their roster by the sport's governing body the Rugby Football League at the weekend.

Castleford have announced the 29-year-old will be taken on a trial basis as he looks to forge a new competitive career after meeting staunch opposition to his participation in athletics.

Chambers was banned for two years in 2004 after testing positive for drug use.

And since then he has also tried his hand at American Football after joining the Hamburg Sea Devils, who are members of the European feeder league to the NFL, as well as undergoing a trial with the Miami Dolphins last year.

His latest sporting venture has raised some eyebrows, but a statement from Tigers manager Michael Robinson claims the move to sign Chambers is not "a publicity stunt".

"Obviously we are well aware of Dwain's background and we gave the whole situation a great deal of thought," Robinson said.

"However, like people in our own sport, he has been punished and taken that punishment. That is now behind him and he is serious about trying to make the grade in rugby league. He clearly already has the pace.

"Whilst with us he will be working with the guys on sprint training and doing some community work, so whatever the outcome of the trial, which we all believe can be successful, we gain something from his time with us.

He added: "It won't impact upon any plans that we have to strengthen the side will established players, should they become available."