The Rugby Football Union ("RFU") charged John Freeman (the "player") for an omission of the Anti-Doping Rules. On 2 April 2013 the player was selected for a doping test. The sample tested positive on the presence of Benzoylecgonine a metabolite of cocaine and 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol a metabolite of cannabis. Both substances are listed on the WADA prohibited list 2013 as non-specified stimulants and cannabinoids. The player did not request for a hearing in person.
History
The player is a non-professional player and was asked to replace a professional player. On 11 May 2013 the World Anti-Doping Agency increased the threshold level for cannabis to 150ng/mL. The player's level was 71.8ng/ml below the new threshold level. Because of the new threshold for cannabis the player can only be sanctioned for the metabolite of cocaine.
Decision
The sanction imposed is a period of ineligibility of two years for the player commencing on 18 April 2013 and concluding on 18 April 2015.
Costs
The RFU recognizes the player's amateur status and his position within the game and does not seek any award or costs against him.
Appeal
The decision can be appealed by the player or others according the RFU Anti-Doping regulation.
