NRL: NZ player linked to ban over urine switch

Kenny Edwards. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta forward Kenny Edwards is reportedly facing a nine-month ban from rugby league after allegedly taking a drugs test on behalf of an NRL teammate.

News Ltd papers are reporting the backrower submitted a urine sample for a drugs test in place of New Zealand-born hooker Kaysa Pritchard in February.

It is understood the out-of-season test was not administered by the official anti-doping body ASADA, and as such any punishment will be handed down by the NRL instead, with Pritchard expected to escape serious punishment.

Kaysa Pritchard. Photo / Getty Images

The NRL Integrity Unit has been following the case and it is understood they will could hand down a back-dated nine-month ban in the coming weeks.

"Both players are remorseful regarding the incident and have provided their full cooperation during the investigation period," Parramatta head of communications Josh Drayton told News Ltd.

- AAP