Facts
The International Rugby Board (IRB) charges Kasun De Siva for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. On 3 November 2007, Mr. De Silva provided an urine sample as part of the in-competition anti-doping programme conducted at the Asian Rugby Championships (ASIAD). The Player’s “A” sample was found to contain Carboxy-THC (Cannabinoids) at a concentration greater than the set threshold of 15ng/ml. This is a Prohibited Substance listed under s. 8.Cannabinoids on the 2007 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. The Player waived his right to have his “B” sample analysed.
History
The Player asserts that he is a non-smoker. He does not drink alcohol. He has never used recreational drugs. He advises that he comes from a very religious Christian background and is a devoted church goer. On 27 October 2007 the Player apparently had a serious lapse of judgment. His best friend from childhood was leaving for overseas employment and the Player attended his farewell party. In a letter written to the Union on 22 November 2007 the Player stated: …all my friends were having a good time and during the night a few of my friends were smoking cigarettes and I too had a few puffs just for the fun of it. I now realise that some of the cigarettes may have been lazed with cannabis.”
Decision
The Player committed an anti-doping rule violation. The sanction imposed for this anti-doping rule violation is a period of Ineligibility of three (3) months, commencing on 21 November 2007 (the date upon which the Player was provisionally suspended) and concluding (but inclusive of) 20 February 2008.
