Facts
The International Rugby Board (IRB) alleges Christopher Hitch for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. On 23 March 2012 the Player provided a urine sample during a in-competition Test. When the Player provided the sample he failed to declare he had taken a
supplement prior to the match. Subsequently, the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for the substance Methylhexaneamine ("MHA").
History
Because he felt very tired, he took the recommended dose of the supplement in lieu of "NODoz" (a caffeine tablet) which the Team Physiotherapist (Mr Raper) distributed to players prior to the match in which he afterwards was tested. The product lists "Geranium (sic) oil extract as an ingredient. The Player was unaware he had consumed a specified substance (ie. MHA) and therefore did not intend to use it to enhance performance.
Decision
The period of suspension should be for a period of six months
commencing on 17'' April 2012 (being the date the Player's provisional suspension commenced) and concluding (but inclusive of) 17 October 2012).
