In May 2019 the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Leigh Dearden after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Cocaine, Drostanolone and Oxymetholone. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered.
In his submissions to the RFU the Athlete admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substances. He submitted that he had used medication from an associate outside of rugby. Hereafter he failed to respond to the RFU communications nor did he attend the hearing of the National Anti-Doping Panel.
Without the Athlete's response the Panel deems that the Athlete was duly informed about the proceedings, that he has admitted the anti-doping rule violation and has waived his right to be heard.
Considering the written submissions of the parties the Panel holds that the Athlete's test results established the presence of the prohibited substances and accordingly that he has committed an anti-doping rule violation. Further the Athlete failed to demonstrate how the substances entered his system nor that the violation was not intentional and without grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore the National Anti-Doping Panel decides on 16 September 2019 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 31 May 2019.
