Shaun Cleary, who played hooker for Maesteg Harlequins, has been banned from all sport for two years after testing positive for benzoylecgonine (a cocaine metabolite) following an in-competition test on 18 August after a pre-season friendly against Bridgend Ravens RFC. He is banned from 11 September 2015 to midnight on 10 September 2017.
WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips said, “This case serves as a strong warning to everyone in the game that non-compliance with anti-doping rules carries grave consequences.
“Whether intentional, or inadvertent, players have a responsibility to themselves, to each other, to their clubs and to the sport to act within the rules and spirit of the game.
“We work closely with UK Anti-Doping and fully adhere to the World Anti-Doping Code. There is no room in the code for carelessness or not knowing, and players are encouraged to check the anti-doping section on the WRU website which also includes advice regarding over-the-shelf medication and supplements.
“Many of the ADRV findings are intelligence-led and we will be relentless in working with UKAD to follow up leads that out players who dope in Welsh rugby.”
UKAD Director of Legal, Graham Arthur said:
“Although Mr Cleary used cocaine three days before he played, cocaine was still in his system when he played. Cocaine is banned from sport and Athletes are solely responsible for what is in their system, regardless of whether there is an intention to cheat or not. Sportspeople have to be aware that using cocaine at any time will put them at great risk of breaking the anti-doping rules and receiving a long ban’.
The WRU advises all its National Squads on anti-doping and ensures the professional regions and semi-professional clubs are fully aware of their responsibility to educate their players of the UK anti-doping rules and regulations. Players who are on the international pathway also have to complete World Rugby’s e-learning course.
Players and clubs are urged to go to the anti-doping section of the WRU website – www.wru.co.uk/antidoping – which contains clear advice to help inform players and support staff of the rules and regulations with regards to doping including the new World Anti-Doping Code that came into force at the start of last year. There are links to help players check any medication and supplements they may be thinking of taking to ensure they are not on the prohibited substances list, and advice on batch testing products.
The WRU has begun a programme to train additional anti-doping educators and advisors to deliver anti-doping education. The Union also offers to deliver anti-doping awareness workshops at Regions and clubs around Wales.
Call the UKAD Report Doping in Sport number – tel 0800 032 2332, go to www.reportdoping.com with any intelligence of potential doping taking place.
