Liam Moseley: Southern Districts player banned for doping

A rising rugby star in a major Sydney competition has been wiped out of competitive sport for years after testing positive to a banned substance.

A rising rugby player has been wiped out of competitive sport for three years after a doping test revealed he had used a prohibited substance.

A Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) statement said Liam Moseley, 24, returned an “adverse analytical finding” from an out-of-competition doping control test on April 1, 2021.

The Southern Districts rugby player’s sample contained Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 – a metabolite of non-steroidal anabolic agent Ligandrol.

“It was determined that Mr Moseley used a prohibited substance, namely LGD-4033, on and or before April 1, 2021," SIA stated.

“LGD-4033 – Ligandrol – is listed under Class S1 Anabolic Agents of the Prohibited List, and is prohibited at all times.”

Rugby Australia has imposed a three-year ban on Moseley which commenced the day of his positive test, and expires on April 1, 2024.

Southern Districts rugby union player Liam Moseley. Pic: Jessica Reading/Reading Media

“Mr Moseley is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until April 1, 2024,” SIA stated.

Southern Districts acknowledged Moseley’s suspension in a brief statement.

“New South Wales Rugby Union is aware of the recent suspension of a Southern Districts player for an anti-doping rule violation,” the club stated.

“In accordance with the NSW Rugby anti-doping policy and Sport Integrity Australia the player has been suspended.

“NSW Rugby has a zero-tolerance policy around drugs in sport and is committed to keeping the game clean.”

Southern Districts rugby union player Liam Moseley. Pic: Jessica Reading/Reading Media

The SIA statement said Ligandrol was promoted as a "selective non-steroidal anabolic agent” which claims to induce muscle and bone growth, without side effects associated with steroid use.

“However, information on the safety of LGD-4033 is scarce due to a lack of medium and long-term clinical trials – hence the medium and long-term health impacts are unknown,” SIA stated.

Moseley showed promise as a St Joseph’s College Nudgee student, playing in the Brisbane Lions Academy for AFL, the Broncos Under 20s in rugby league, and the Reds Academy for rugby union.

He had big plans to impress in the Shute Shield, sharing some personal insights in a NewsLocal interview in 2020.

Southern Districts rugby union player Liam Moseley. Pic: Jessica Reading/Reading Media

“In rugby I’m loud and larrikin, bring energy and laughter – I’m bossy because of my position as well,” Moseley said at the time.

“In the past I have heard some mental health issues I have had to work through, moving around a lot was pretty hard, being away from home and friends and family made it a bit tough.”

“Sport has been so good for me. It’s my distraction.”