Former Bath duo appeal drugs bans

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Andrew Higgins, who was also suspended by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel on August 3, has announced his retirement from rugby after becoming "profoundly disillusioned".

All three players were found to have failed on two occasions to undertake drug tests as Bath investigated allegations of misconduct during an unofficial end-of-season celebration in London.

The RFU's disciplinary panel dropped charges of drug use at the outset of the four-day hearing.

Higgins, 27, insisted his only concern was to be cleared of using drugs and he will now retire from the sport to pursue other interests.

But Lipman, an England international with 10 caps, and Crockett have lodged appeals against both the decision of the RFU disciplinary panel and the sanction.

The players' solicitor Richard Mallett said: "Former Bath players Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett have appealed against the decision of the disciplinary panel on August 3, 2009.

"The RFU disciplinary panel found Mr Michael Lipman and Mr Alex Crockett guilty of failing and/or refusing to submit to internal drugs tests without reasonable cause on two occasions on May 13 and May 14 and that this constituted conduct which was prejudicial to the interests of the game, contrary to RFU rule 5.12.

"Although on the first day of the four day hearing Mr Lipman and Mr Crockett were completely exonerated of any drug-taking the players were, nevertheless, suspended from playing rugby for nine months from June 2 to February 28 2010.

"The appeal has been lodged with the RFU against both the finding of fact and the sanction imposed."