Toulon's Steffon Armitage cleared of doping charges

Steffon Armitage has been cleared of doping charges by a French Rugby Federation disciplinary panel, the player's representatives have confirmed.

The Toulon flanker tested positive for morphine, a prohibited substance, following last season's Top 14 final defeat by Toulouse but he had always vehemently expressed his innocence.

Toulon insisted the result was caused by side-effects from medication Armitage had been prescribed for back pain, which the club said were approved by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD).

Armitage attended a two-hour hearing at the FFR's anti-doping commission in Marcoussis on 26 October and then incurred a nervous wait for the verdict to be delivered.

The FFR have contacted Toulon's lawyer, confirming Armitage has been cleared of any anti-doping violation and that he will not be suspended.