Drugs ban for city rugby player

Published on Thursday 29 May 2008 13:32

AN Edinburgh-based rugby player has been banned from the sport for two years after testing positive for cocaine.

New Zealander Josh Abraham, 22, who plays for Watsonians, tested positive for the drug following a routine test at the Heriot's v Watsonians match on Saturday, March 22.

The back-row forward (pictured above in action against Biggar) is one of two club rugby players in Scotland who were today banned by a rugby union judicial committee. The two, both New Zealanders, have been banned from the game for the maximum two years after returning adverse analytical findings for "social" drugs.

No8 Justin Matheson, 30, of Stirling County, has also been banned after testing positive for both amphetamine and marijuana following routine UK Sport testing at the Edinburgh Academicals v Stirling County match on Saturday March 15.

The judicial committee, comprising Rod McKenzie, a senior legal practitioner with law firm Harper Macleod as Chairman, Dr Gerry Haggerty, team doctor to Glasgow Warriors, and Heather Barton, Head of Legal at the SFA, met last night before reaching its decisions.

Both players have the right to request a formal post-hearing review of the decisions.

Colin Thomson, the SRU's head of community rugby, said: "Scottish Rugby has a rigorous anti-doping policy and information is freely available, both online and in person, spelling out a clear anti-drugs message to all.

"We encourage all clubs and players, regardless of the level they play at, to avail themselves of that information. Our message is absolutely unequivocal. The taking of banned substances, including 'social' drugs, has no place in our game at any level."