Overview:

Anti-doping – Taranaki rugby league player (N) tested positive for a metabolite of cannabis in a concentration higher than that permitted under the Prohibited List in sample taken from him in competition – provisionally suspended without opposition – admitted violation of Sports Anti-Doping Rules 2016 (SADR) Rule 2.1 and asked to be heard as to sanction – recreational cannabis use and not for sports performance enhancing reasons – accepted N could establish no significant fault or negligence in seeking a reduction of the two year period under SADR Rule 10.5.1.1 –Tribunal assessed appropriate sanction having regard to degree of fault – strict obligations on athletes under the Code – Tribunal decided appropriate period of ineligibility was 6 months – declaration on doping form and co-operation with DFSNZ as mitigating factors – backdated to earliest possible date given co-operation.