In May 2023 United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Charley Bodman after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Terbutaline. Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete filed a statement in his defence.
The Athlete accepted the test result, admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substance. He explained that he used Terbutaline as prescribed medication for his asthma.
He argued that he mentioned his medication on the Doping Control Form while he already had made the application for a TUE when he was tested. Thereupon UKAD's TUE Panel dismissed the Athlete's application for a retroactive TUE because he had failed to make an application timely for a TUE in advance for his prescribed medication.
The Athlete asserted that in 2021 and in 2022 he was adviced twice by medical professionals that he needed a TUE. Yet, he was not informed twice that he could not play without a TUE.
Considering the evidence and the circumstances in this case UKAD deems that the Athlete's violation was not intentional. Furthermore UKAD concludes that Athlete acted with No Significant Fault or Negligence.
Therefore UKAD decides on 6 November 2023 to impose an 18 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 26 May 2023.
