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 Lionel Skipwith’s internet purchases of prohibited substances from this internet supplier.
Hereafter in October 2017 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. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the New Zealand Rugby Union Judicial Committee.
The Athlete gave a prompt admission and denied that the violation was intentional. He explained that he used the product to lose weight and didn’t know that the substance was prohibited as he had never received any anti-doping education.
The Judicial Committee accepts the Athlete’s explanation and concludes that the violation was not intentional. Further the Committee considers the Athlete's prompt admission and the substantial delays in this case not attributed to the Athlete for imposing a reduced sanction.
Therefore the Committee decides on 30 June 2018 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting backdated on 26 September 2017.
