Facts
The International Rugby Board (IRB) alleges Adam Van Staveren (the player) for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. Adam Van Staveren was tested as part of the IRB’s Anti-Doping program for the Americas Rugby Championship Tournament. The sample was taken from him on the final day of the tournament, namely the 17 October 2009. His sample tested positive on a metabolite of Cannabis, which is a prohibited substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list. Cannabinoids are classified as “Specified Substances”.
History
The player’s uses cannabis socially. After a game he met up with friends “a week or two” before 17 October 2009. he shared with a number of them “two or three” cigarettes which contained what he described as “marijuana”. He knew the cigarettes contained cannabis and knew also that it was a Prohibited Substance. He insisted that he was not taken it to enhance sport performance.
Decision
The sanction for the anti-doping rule violation committed by the Player is a period of ineligibility of six months.
Costs
Written submissions should be submitted on time.
