In April 2008 the International Rugby Board (IRB) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Chilean junior rugby player Francisco Metuaze after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance clenbuterol. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the IRB Judicial Committee.
The Athlete did not challenge the test result, admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the prohibited substance. He stated that he had used a product marked “clenbuterol” provided by a friend to reduce the percentage of fat in his body without realizing that clenbuterol was a prohibited substance.
At the previous Doping Control the Athlete mentioned the clenbuterol on the Doping Control Form but he didn’t test positive. He forgot to mention the clenbuterol on the Doping Control Form when he provided the samples which tested positive.
The Committee concludes that Athlete committed the anti-doping violation and finds that the he seems to accept his responsibilities and that he also clearly ignored the anti-doping education he had received.
Without grounds for a reduced sanction the IRB Judicial Committee decides on 4 August 2008 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 25 April 2008.
