Related case:
World Rugby 2017 Rubén Ricco vs WR - Appeal
October 5, 2017
In July 2016 World Rugby has reported an anti-doping rule violations against the Argentine rugby player Rubén Ricco after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Clomiphene.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the World Rugby Judicial Committee.
The Athlete admitted the violation, accepted the test result, denied the intentional use of the substance and requested for a reduced sanction. He and his friend testified that the Clomiphene pills were purchased over-the-counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Recommended by his friend the medication was used to treat pain and discomfort that the Athlete was experiencing as a result of an irritated nipple. He claimed that the medication was used until the beginning of January 2016 while he was tested 5 months later on 30 May 2016.
The Committee didn’t accept the Athlete’s statement and finds it hightly unlikely that he purchased Clomiphene over the counter at a pharmacy without showing any corroborating evidence in support. Also the Committee does not believe that the Athlete purchased and used Clomiphene to treat a skin condition. Further the Committee holds it improbable that more than 5 months had elapsed between his administration of Clomiphene and the sample collection.
The Committee concludes that the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation as a result of the presence of Clomiphene. It deems that the Athlete was engaged in conduct which he knew constituted an anti-doping rule violation or knew that there was a significant risk that the conduct might constitute or result in an anti-doping rule violation and manifestly disregarded that risk.
Therefore the World Rugby Judicial Committee decides on 30 March 2017 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 11 July 2016.
