Facts
The International Rugby Board (IRB) charges Steven Shortly (the player) for committing an anti-doping violation. During an in-competition testing he tested positive on Finasteride metabolite which is an alpha-reductase inhibitor, classified under Section 5 -
Diuretics and other Masking Agents - of the 2008 WADA Prohibited List.
History
The player has established on a balance of probabilities his taking of Finasteride (commercially known as "Proscar") was unintentional, in that it was not to enhance his performance in rugby but for hair loss. The medication has been prescribed to him since 2005 by his doctor, who conducts a full time specialist practice in medical and surgical hair restoration. Until recently both the doctor and the player were unaware Finasteride was a banned substance. Further, the IRB has properly indicated that Finasteride will not be retained on the 2009 WADA Prohibited
List which comes into effect on 1 January 2009.
Decision
It has been determined that the mandatory minimum sanction whereby the player receives a warning and is reprimanded for his anti-doping violation. For the sake of clarity it follows the player's provisional suspension will lapse forthwith.
