In September 2019 the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Renier Els after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Tamoxifen.
After notification the Athlete gave a prompt admission, waived his right for a hearing, accepted a provisional suspension and the sanction proposed by SAIDS.
The Athlete denied the intentional use of the substance and explained that he had used pills and the reason of use without corroborating evidence.
SAIDS finds that the Athlete's sample established the presence of a prohibited substance and accordingly that the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation. SAIDS accepts that the violation was not intentional and that the Athlete demonstrated how the substance entered his system.
Considering grounds for a reduced sanction SAIDS decides on 16 October 2019 to impose an 18 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 20 September 2019.
