Facts
The Rugby Football Union ("RFU") charged James Comben (the "player") for an omission of the Anti-Doping Rules. On 26 November 2012 the player was selected after a match for a doping test. His urine sample tested positive for methylhexaneamine (MHA) a specified stimulant. The B sample analysis was not carried out because the player admitted the doping offence.
History
He said that he ingested a dose of Oxylean 1-3d at about 8 am on the morning of the match, but at the time he did not know he was to play that evening. By e-mail he disclosed he had used the medication. He had used the medication to control weight gain because he is a model for clothing.
Considerations panel
The panel agrees that the medication wasn't taken to enhance sport performance. However he failed to check the ingredient of the supplement and to disclose it during the doping test. Considering the personal circumstances of the player who is young and unexperienced to doping test the panel considers a reduction of the standard 2 years of ineligibility.
Decision
The player is ineligible to take part in any capacity in the game of Rugby Football Union for a period of six months from 21 December 2012 to 20 June 2013. He may participate again on 21 June 2013.
Cost
No applications for costs are made.
