Overview:

Anti-doping – Rugby league player based in Whangarei (H) tested positive for a metabolite of cannabis in a concentration higher than that permitted under the Prohibited List in a sample taken from him in competition – provisionally suspended without opposition – admitted violation of Sports Anti-Doping Rules 2018 (SADR) Rule 2.1 and asked to be heard as to sanction – recreational cannabis use and not for sports performance enhancing reasons – accepted H could establish no significant fault or negligence in seeking a reduction in the sanction – Tribunal assessed appropriate sanction having regard to the degree of fault – Tribunal decided appropriate period of ineligibility was 7 months – fairness and consistency in line with prior cases of Ngatoko, and Mikara – backdated to one month prior to the date of the provisional suspension