Facts
The International Rugby Board (IRB) alleges Rachelle Geldenhuys (the player) for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. The player provided an urine sample during a doping control on November 30, 2012 as part of the IRB’s Anti-Doping Program at the Dubai Sevens Tournament (Tournament) forming part of the IRB Women's Sevens World Series 2012-2013 (Series). The Player was a member of the South African women’s team. Her sample tested positive on a Carboxi-THC which indicates the administration of Cannabis and/or marijuana.
History
The player was performing her sport on a regional level. She was selected for playing with the South Africa women’s 7’s team in Dubai. On November 25, 2012, after the end of the Player’s season (as she then thought), she attended a party at a friend’s house. She was invited to smoke an ocra pipe (which she described as a “hubbly bubbly”), and she did so. She knew it contained cannabis. In her sworn statement and in her evidence-in-chief, made no reference to reluctance to smoke from the pipe. It was only towards the end of cross-examination that she testified that she did not initially want to smoke the pipe, but was subject to peer pressure to do so. Later in the evening, she was told that the cannabis she smoked was not normal but a stronger version called “cronic.” Also later that evening at the party, the Player ate half a muffin which she was subsequently told contained cannabis. In her sworn statement the Player said she did not use cannabis during the 2012 rugby season and she did not use cannabis at the party with the intent to enhance her sporting performance.
Decision
The Player committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. The period of ineligibility will be nine months.
The Player was provisionally suspended on January 14, 2013 according to Regulation 21.19.8 In accordance with Regulation 21.22.12,9 the period of ineligibility will run from that date.
Costs
Written submissions should be provided on time.
