Richie Mathers: London Broncos player banned for six months

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, An independent tribunal found Richie Mathers had provided inside information on his club and encouraged people to bet

London Broncos' full-back Richie Mathers has been suspended from all rugby league activity for six months after being found guilty of breaching rules relating to betting.

An independent tribunal found Mathers, 31, had provided inside information on his club and encouraged other people to bet on the outcome of a match.

Mathers, who joined Broncos in 2014, said he "totally refutes" the findings.

The ex-Wakefield Trinity player also said he is considering legal action.

In a statement on his Twitter account "I want to make absolutely clear I have never had any involvement in betting or encouraging betting by providing inside information. "

The Rugby Football league said the offences related to the Championship side's match against Leigh Centurions on 20 March, a 64 -12 defeat in the Challenge Cup fourth round.