In 2015 the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) informed DFSNZ about the results of Medsafe’s investigation into an internet drug supplier and provided DFSNZ details of the rugby player Brandyn Laursen’s internet purchases of prohibited substances from this internet supplier.
Hereafter in March 2018 Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported 2 anti-doping rule violations against the Athlete for the use, attempted use and possession in 2014 and in 2015 of the prohibited substance Clenbuterol. The New Zealand Rugby Union Judicial Committee rendered a decision based on the submissions of the parties.
The Athlete gave a prompt admission, accepted a provisional suspension and denied the intentional use. He explained with evidence that the product was only used to lose weight. DFSNZ accepts that the violaton was not intentional and considers that there were substantial delays in this case not attributed to the Athlete for imposing a reduced sanction.
Therefore the Judicial Committee decides on 8 June 2018 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting backdated by 10 months on 4 June 2017.
