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 NZ Clenbuterol and provided DFSNZ details about the internet purchase in 2015 of a prohibited substance made by the rugby player Tautini Hopa.
Hereafter in October 2018 Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported two anti-doping rule violations against Tautini Hopa for the use and possession of the prohibited substance Testosterone.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete failed to file a statement in his defence. When contacted by DFSNZ the Athlete admitted the violation, waived his right to be heard, accepted the provisional suspension and the sanction proposed by DFSNZ.
The New Zealand Rugby Union Judicial Committee considers that there were substantial delays in the proceedings not attributed to the Athlete and decides on 21 March 2019 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting backdated on 26 April 2018.
