Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Respondent after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cannabis. Respondent admitted the violation and explained he had used cannabis on a social occasion.
He acknowledged that he knew it was a prohibited substance.
The Tribunal accepts that Respondent did not use cannabis with the intention of enhancing his sports performance.
The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 1 month period of ineligibility on the Respondent.
However because the rugby season has ended and does not start again until around 1 March 2008, the period of ineligibility will run from the date of the decision until 31 March 2008 in order for the penalty to be effective.
