UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notes with concern the current media and sporting world commentary and speculation about serious anti-doping issues involving 23 Chinese swimmers.
UKAD, along with WADA and all Anti-Doping Organisations, has a fundamental responsibility to protect athletes’ rights to participate in doping-free sport and promote health, fairness and equality for athletes worldwide. Clean participation is essential and must be delivered in a coordinated manner linked to the International Standards and the World Anti-Doping Code.
The recent media reports and responses by WADA and several National Anti-Doping Organisations have led many athletes and the wider sporting community to question the consistency with which anti-doping processes work and how anti-doping rules are applied worldwide.
Without public access to the full details, and with speculation continuing in the media, a more transparent approach is needed.
We call on WADA, in this specific case, to now initiate an independent review of the regulatory framework and processes applied.
We hope that WADA, by expediting this process, can help ensure trust and confidence is restored in anti-doping worldwide, and clean athletes can continue to be protected and championed.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has issued British Triathlete Louis Walker with a three-year ban from all sport following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Use and Possession of the Prohibited Substance, clenbuterol.
In February 2023, UKAD received intelligence via its confidential reporting initiative ‘Protect Your Sport’ that Mr Walker had been found in possession of a blister pack of Clenoxin tablets containing clenbuterol. Mr Walker admitted to both using and being in possession of clenbuterol during an interview with UKAD on 3 April 2023.
Clenbuterol is listed under Section 1.2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as an Anabolic Agent. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times.
Mr Walker was provisionally suspended by UKAD on 27 September 2023 and subsequently charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations (Use and Possession of a Prohibited Substance) under the UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). Mr Walker responded to UKAD within 20 days of the Charge to admit both violations and accept the sanction. His early admission and acceptance of the sanction allowed his ban to be reduced by one-year.
Affording Mr Walker credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended, his ban from sport is deemed to have commenced on 27 September 2023 and will expire on 26 September 2026.
Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations said: “The use of anabolic agents, like clenbuterol, is cheating and undermines the hard-work and determination of clean athletes.
“This case serves as a reminder of how important it is to report your suspicions of doping. It takes a team to keep sport clean. No matter how small the information may seem, we want to hear it so we can ensure a level playing field for athletes.”
British Triathlon added, “We support UKAD’s decision and thank the person who initially raised their concerns about the athlete. As a national governing body, we are committed to clean sport and encourage anyone with a concern about an athlete to contact UKAD directly.
“Since 2021, British Triathlon has increased the education and training available to elite and amateur athletes. All Home Nation members, and any athlete and their athlete support personnel who is a member of British Triathlon’s affiliate organisations or licensees (including clubs, teams, associations and academies) are bound by the British Triathlon Anti-Doping Rules which are the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
For more information on how to report doping, search: Protect Your Sport.
Rugby League player, Harry Tyson-Wilson has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for Use and Possession of a Prohibited Substance.
On 18 May 2022, UKAD received information from the police regarding the production, manufacture, and supply of Prohibited Substances by and to a number of individuals. UKAD commenced an investigation and was subsequently able to identify Rugby League player Mr Tyson-Wilson as one of the purchasers of the Prohibited Substances.
Evidence obtained by UKAD showed that on 6 March 2019, Mr Tyson-Wilson made a purchase of dianabol, a variant of metandienone. Metandienone is listed under S1(1) of the 2019 WADA Prohibited List as an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid and is a non-Specified Substance, which is prohibited at all times.
UKAD interviewed Mr Tyson-Wilson on 7 March 2022, where he admitted to purchasing metandienone online in March 2019 and paying for it to be delivered to his home address. Mr Tyson-Wilson also accepted being in possession of the Prohibited Substance after its arrival at his home address.
On 12 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Tyson-Wilson that he may have committed two ADRVs contrary to Article 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method), and Article 2.6 (Possession of a Prohibited Substance and/or a Prohibited Method) of the 2015 UK Anti-Doping Rules (‘2015 ADR’). UKAD provisionally suspended the player from this date.
On 18 May 2023, Mr Tyson-Wilson was charged by UKAD with both ADRVs. The player responded on 7 June 2023 admitting the charges and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility of four years.
Mr Tyson-Wilson benefited from a one-year reduction to his ban after admitting the violation and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility within 20 days of receiving the Charge (pursuant to 2021 ADR Article 10.8.1).
Mr Tyson-Wilson’s period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced from the date of his Provisional Suspension on 12 April 2023 and will end at midnight on 11 April 2026.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations, said:
“Anabolic steroids have no place in sport. There are serious consequences for any Athlete caught in possession of them. It’s imperative that Athletes respect their responsibilities under the Anti-Doping Rules and conduct themselves with integrity both on and off the field.
“This case is a further example of the strong strategic collaborations UKAD has in place with law enforcement partners, and we thank them for their continued support in UKAD’s delivery of intelligence-led anti-doping programmes.”
The Rugby Football League added, “We support UKAD in their determination to ensure that sport is clean, and in working with other law enforcement partners to do so.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby Union player Ryan Olowofela received a three-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport.
On 26 March 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Olowofela at a game between Nottingham RFC and Bedford Blues RFC. Analysis of the Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite, benzoylecgonine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance of Abuse’.
The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs relating to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance.
On 28 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Olowofela that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Olowofela was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 5 May 2023, Mr Olowofela admitted that he had taken cocaine and stated that he had ingested it recreationally on Thursday 23 March 2023. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and its Metabolite benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Olowofela’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that this explanation was not scientifically plausible.
UKAD charged Mr Olowofela on 15 June 2023 with the commission of two ADRVs under ADR Article 2.1 (presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance or Method).
Mr Olowofela responded on 6 July 2023 denying the charges. The player provided a revised account, stating that his original recollection was incorrect, and he had in fact ingested cocaine on Friday 24 March 2023. The player provided evidence to support this account, including witness statements and bank records. The scientific expert examined the player’s revised account and concluded that his explanation was consistent with Out-of-Competition ingestion. As a result, the charge under Article 2.2 (Use of a Prohibited Substance or Method) was not pursued.
Mr Olowofela accepted the charge of Article 2.1 and the asserted period of Ineligibility of three months. Mr Olowofela has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended (since 28 April 2023). His period of Ineligibility was lifted on 28 September 2023, on the basis that the player had already served the maximum three-month period of Ineligibility applicable to his case. Mr Olowofela is free to resume participation in sport.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Athletes need to respect the Anti-Doping Rules. It’s important to remember that cocaine and other ‘recreational drugs’ are prohibited in sport. These substances are harmful to athlete health, and they impact careers and reputations.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has released its second quarterly testing report of the Financial Year covering July to September 2023 (quarter two of 2023/24).
UKAD conducted 2,175 tests during July to September 2023, an increase of 99 tests against the previous quarter (quarter one: 2,076 tests) and an increase of 81 tests against the same quarter of last year (quarter two 2022/23: 2,094).
The most tested sports in quarter two were football, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, athletics and professional boxing. DCP provide both in- and out-of-competition testing with no advanced notice, following the International Standard of Testing and Investigations.
UKAD’s Testing Programme targets the greatest threats to clean sport, which also focusses on the build-up to major sporting events. During this quarter, the Testing Programme targeted athletes preparing for places at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 France and the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
UKAD’s testing reports also include information on the number of whereabouts failures, adverse analytical findings, and anti-doping rule violations during the quarter.
Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations, said:
“The Testing Programme is a valuable tool in UKAD’s operations to maintain clean sport and support a level playing field for athletes. The Programme uses an intelligence-led and risk-based approach to target areas of sport and the individuals who we believe have the potential to dope, and this is complimented by our education work to support athletes on their responsibilities.
I’d like to thank our Doping Control Personnel who provide a world-class service collecting test samples, and all stakeholders and partners across sport and the Anti-Doping sector who we support through the Testing Programme.”
UKAD’s Intelligence-led Testing Programme is part of a multi-faceted approach which includes education, intelligence and investigations, assuring confidence in clean sport and protecting the integrity of sport.
To read the full report click here.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that rugby union player, Arran Perry has been given an additional six-month ban from all sport for breaching the terms of his current ban, also known as a violation of the prohibition against participation during a period of Ineligibility.
In September 2020, Mr Perry was issued with a four-year ban from sport by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel after a Sample he provided on 28 October 2019 returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for oxandrolone and its Metabolites. The ban commenced on 20 December 2019 and is due to end on 19 December 2023.
In November 2022, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) received information that Mr Perry had participated in a training session at Shepshed RFC. Following an investigation into the matter, Mr Perry was charged on 31 March 2023 with breaching the terms of his ban under Article 10.14.1 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). On 18 April 2023, Mr Perry accepted the breach alleged, as well as the additional six-month ban asserted by the RFU.
Mr Perry’s additional six-month ban from sport will therefore commence on 20 December 2023 (i.e., on expiration of his current ban) and will expire at midnight on 19 June 2024.
Jane Rumble, UKAD’s Chief Executive, added: “The Rules are in place to keep sport clean and to ensure a level playing field. UKAD will always ensure that action is taken to enforce the terms of bans on athletes who do not respect them.”
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) player Kaiden Carnell has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
On 9 March 2023, UKAD collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Carnell at a Ystrad Rhondda squad training session. Analysis of Mr Carnell’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for oxandrolone.
Oxandrolone is a Prohibited Substance listed under S.1 of the 2023 WADA Prohibited List. It is an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid, which is prohibited at all times.
On 14 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Carnell that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). Mr Carnell was also provisionally suspended from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport from that same date.
Mr Carnell responded to UKAD’s Notice letter on 24 April 2023, admitting the ADRVs. UKAD charged Mr Carnell with both ADRVs on 2 June 2023. On 16 June 2023, Mr Carnell responded to the Charge Letter, confirming that he had used oxandrolone, and admitting both ADRVs and the applicable consequences.
Under ADR Article 10.8.1, Mr Carnell’s prompt admission of the ADRVs afforded him a one-year reduction to his ban.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations, said:
“The Anti-Doping Rules apply to all Athletes. Those rules are here to keep players safe and protect the integrity of sport. All participants in the sport of rugby union are liable for the consequences of their actions should they violate the Anti-Doping Rules.
“Rugby is a team sport. Doping impacts the whole team. It’s not worth the risk. Always play clean and respect the rules of the game.”
Mr Carnell’s period of ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 14 April 2023 (the date of the provisional suspension) and will expire on 13 April 2026.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that British bobsledder Nathan Togun will serve an additional nine-year ban from sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for Tampering and a breach of the terms of his original ban.
In August 2019, Mr Togun was issued with a four-year ban from sport after a Sample he provided on 6 October 2018 returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for metabolites of stanozolol. In the course of those proceedings, Mr Togun asserted that he had been prescribed stanozolol for a medical condition and provided UKAD with a ‘Statement of fitness for work’ certificate to support that assertion. This certificate purported to confirm that Mr Togun was not fit for work and indicated that he had been prescribed stanozolol.
UKAD made enquiries to check the veracity of the document and found that the document was not genuine.
On 11 November 2022, UKAD charged Mr Togun with the commission of an ADRV for Tampering. On 14 February 2023, Mr Togun admitted the charge. Since this was Mr Togun’s second ADRV, the period of Ineligibility to be applied is eight years (which is twice the ban that would have been applied had this been Mr Togun’s first ADRV).
Separately, in late 2019, UKAD became aware that Mr Togun, while serving his original ban, had been assisting an Athlete licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC). Contrary to the terms of his ban, Mr Togun partook in sparring sessions with the Athlete and assisted him with strength and conditioning sessions.
On 25 October 2022 following a full investigation, UKAD charged Mr Togun with a breach of Article 10.12.1 of the ADR and proposed an additional period of Ineligibility of one-year by way of sanction. Mr Togun accepted this new period of Ineligibility in respect of the breach of his original ban.
Mr Togun’s nine-year ban from sport was deemed to have commenced on 13 November 2022 and will expire on 12 November 2031.
Jane Rumble, UKAD’s Chief Executive, added: “The rules are in place to make sure everyone plays their part in keeping sport clean and to ensure a level playing field.
“Tampering with any part of the Doping Control process is a serious offence. Where an Athlete seeks to undermine the Doping Control process, including by providing falsified documentation to UKAD during Anti-Doping proceedings, they should be under no illusion that such behaviour will lead to a lengthy ban from sport.
“Furthermore, this case shows that UKAD will act on intelligence and investigate to enforce bans on athletes who do not respect the conditions of their original sanctions.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has confirmed that Rugby League player Rob Worrincy has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following first Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Use and Presence of Prohibited Substances in his urine Sample.
On 20 January 2023, UKAD collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Worrincy at a Hunslet RLFC squad training session. Analysis of Mr Worrincy’s urine Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for ostarine (enobosarm), ibutamoren and GW1516 Metabolites; GW1516-sulfoxide and GW1516-sulfone.
Ostarine is listed under section 1.2 of the 2023 WADA Prohibited List as an Anabolic Agent. Ibutamoren is listed under section 2.4 of the 2023 WADA Prohibited List as a Peptide Hormone. GW1516 is listed under section 4.4 of the 2023 WADA Prohibited List as a Hormone and Metabolic Modulator. All three substances are prohibited at all times.
On 24 February 2023, UKAD notified Mr Worrincy that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), and provisionally suspended him from that date.
Mr Worrincy responded to UKAD’s Notice on 01 March 2023 admitting the ADRVs, indicating that he had used a supplement that contained the Prohibited Substances found in his Sample.
UKAD charged Mr Worrincy with both ADRVs on 24 March 2023, which Mr Worrincy promptly accepted.
In accordance with ADR Article 10.8.1, Mr Worrincy was able to reduce the asserted four-year period of Ineligibility to three years, after admitting the violations and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility within twenty days of the Charge Letter
Mr Worrincy’s ban from all WADA Code-compliant sport commenced on 24 February 2023 and will expire at midnight on 23 February 2026.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations said: “Athletes who violate the Anti-Doping Rules face a ban from sport. It is important that all athletes follow the Anti-Doping Rules and understand the risks associated with using supplements.”
The Rugby Football League added: “We support UKAD in their determination to ensure that sport is clean, and therefore in their testing programme in and out of competition, of part-time as well as full-time players. This is another example of how strict liability places responsibility on all athletes in these matters, and the serious repercussions of a positive test.”
Published Thursday, 02 March 2023.
- Jane Rumble joins UKAD from Ofcom where she is the Change Director
- Starts role in March 2022
- UKAD Chair Trevor Pearce ‘delighted’ with appointment and highlights Jane Rumble’s extensive regulatory experience
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has confirmed that Rugby League player Adam Rusling received a three-month ban from all sport following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence of Prohibited Substances cocaine and MDMA in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport.
On 18 June 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Rusling at a game between Hunslet RLFC and Cornwall RLFC. Analysis of Mr Rusling’s urine Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, and MDMA (‘ecstasy’) and its metabolite, tenamfetamine.
Cocaine and MDMA are listed under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as non-Specified stimulants and are prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies both substances as ‘Substances of Abuse’.
The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs relating to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance.
The ADR further require that a mandatory provisional suspension is imposed when notifying an Athlete that a non-Specified Prohibited Substance (such as cocaine or MDMA) has been detected in their Sample. Therefore, Mr Rusling was notified of his AAFs and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 2 August 2023. In the player’s responses, he admitted taking cocaine and MDMA, stating he had taken both substances Out-of-Competition during the evening of 16 June 2023.
UKAD investigated the player’s responses, including instructing an independent scientific expert to examine the plausibility of the player’s explanation. Upon concluding its investigations, UKAD charged Mr Rusling on 12 December 2023 with the commission of ADRVs for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample. The player accepted the charges and a three-month period of Ineligibility.
The ADR provide that Mr Rusling be afforded credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended (since 2 August 2023). In this case, Mr Rusling’s ban is therefore deemed fully served by virtue of his Provisional Suspension lasting in excess of three months. UKAD shares the outcome of this case today, following the expiry of the appeal deadline.
Mr Rusling’s case follows three recent published Rugby League cases, all involving cocaine. While shorter bans may be available for cocaine and other recreational drugs designated ‘Substance(s) of Abuse’, UKAD’s Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey warns about the impact these substances have on an athlete’s health and welfare:
“Stimulants such as cocaine and MDMA are harmful and addictive, and illegal in the UK. Athletes and their loved ones can have their lives impacted by ‘recreational drugs’, so it’s simply not worth the risk to their health or reputation in sport. The anti-doping rules are in place to keep athletes safe and to maintain a fair sport. We welcome the work sports like Rugby League, in conjunction with Rugby League Cares, are doing to tackle the use of recreational drugs among players, which includes awareness, education and support for those affected.”
The Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, the sport’s independent charity which leads on player welfare, added:
“Rugby League supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition, and in this case specifically the Substance of Abuse programme following positive tests for recreational drugs – supporting players in recognising the dangers of substance misuse, and explaining the range of options for ongoing support – which in Rugby League is led by RL Cares.”
Polish professional boxer Krzysztof Glowacki has been banned from all sport for a period of four years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
On 21 January 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Glowacki after his fight against Richard Riakporhe at the AO Arena in Manchester. Analysis of Mr Glowacki’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for boldenone and its Metabolite, 17β-hydroxy-5β-androst-1-en-3-one.
Boldenone is listed under section S1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as an anabolic androgenic steroid. It is a non-Specified substance that is prohibited in sport at all times.
On 6 April 2023, UKAD notified Mr Glowacki that he may have committed two ADRVs contrary to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (‘ADR’). UKAD also provisionally suspended Mr Glowacki from all Code-compliant sport from this date.
On 2 June 2023, UKAD charged Mr Glowacki with both ADRVs. Mr Glowacki responded on 12 June 2023, denying the ADRVs and asserting that he had not taken any Prohibited Substance.
Mr Glowacki’s case was heard by the independent National-Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) on 31 October 2023. The NADP issued a decision on 21 November 2023 which imposed a period of Ineligibility of four years. Mr Glowacki’s period of Ineligibility commenced on 6 April 2023 and will expire at 11:59pm on 5 April 2027.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations said: “It is very important that athletes respect the rules and understand their responsibilities to uphold clean sport. Boldenone, as with all steroids, is performance enhancing and undermines the integrity of sport. There is no place for steroids in sport.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby League player Tobias Richardson received a three-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport.
On 2 July 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Richardson at a game between Midlands Hurricanes and Dewsbury Rams. Analysis of Mr Richardon’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine and its Metabolite, benzoylecgonine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance of Abuse’.
The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs relating to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance.
On 17 August 2023, UKAD notified Mr Richardson that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Richardson was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 22 August 2023, Mr Richardson admitted that he had taken cocaine and that he had ingested it recreationally while in a social setting during the Out-of-Competition period on Friday 30 June 2023. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of cocaine and benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Richardson’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that the Athlete’s explanation - that the cocaine had likely been consumed during the Out-of-Competition period - was scientifically plausible.
Mr Richardson was charged by UKAD on 12 October 2023 with the commission of an ADRV under ADR Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athletes Sample). The player responded on 23 October 2023 accepting the charge and agreeing to the period of Ineligibility of three months asserted by UKAD.
Mr Richardson has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended. His period of Ineligibility was lifted on 16 November 2023.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Cocaine is prohibited in sport. It’s a harmful drug and violates the spirit of sport. The rules are clear on substances of abuse. Athletes risk their careers and their reputations by using cocaine.”
The Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, the sport’s independent charity which leads on player welfare, added:
“Rugby League supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition, and in this case specifically the recent introduction of the Substance of Abuse programme following positive tests for recreational drugs – supporting players in recognising the dangers of substance misuse, and explaining the range of options for ongoing support – which in Rugby League is led by Rugby League Cares.”
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed that Rugby League player Charley Bodman has been banned from all sport for a period of 18 months following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
On 25 April 2023, UKAD collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Bodman at a Cornwall RLFC training session. Analysis of Mr Bodman’s urine Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for terbutaline.
Terbutaline is listed under S3 of WADA’s 2023 Prohibited List as a beta-2-agonist and is prohibited at all times.
On 26 May 2023, UKAD notified Mr Bodman that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), and provisionally suspended him.
Mr Bodman responded to UKAD’s Notice letter, explaining that he had been prescribed the Prohibited Substance, terbutaline, to treat asthma. As an athlete on the National TUE Pool, Mr Bodman is required to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption in advance of taking terbutaline.
Mr Bodman did apply retroactively for a TUE, but the application was denied by UKAD’s independent TUE Fairness Review Panel. The Panel concluded that Mr Bodman had neglected his anti-doping duties by not applying for a TUE in advance of taking his prescribed medication.
As a result of the decision, Mr Bodman did not possess a valid and applicable TUE for terbutaline at the time his sample was collected. Mr Bodman was therefore charged by UKAD with both ADRVs on 8 September 2023.
The player’s legal representatives responded to both charges admitting the violations but submitting that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning attributed to that term by ADR Article 10.2.3. His representatives also submitted that Mr Bodman bore no Significant Fault or Negligence in this matter, and was entitled to a reduction to the otherwise applicable (2) year period of Ineligibility in accordance with ADR Article 10.6.1(b).
UKAD considered Mr Bodman’s evidence and submissions and does not assert that the ADRVs were ‘intentional’. UKAD also considers that Mr Bodman has established that he bore No Significant Fault or Negligence such that he is entitled to a reduction of six months, leaving him with a ban of 18 months.
Mr Bodman’s period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 26 May 2023 and will expire at midnight on 25 November 2024.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Director of Operations, Hamish Coffey said:
“Medications prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter may contain prohibited substances. It is an athlete’s responsibility to check their medication before using it, even if they have used it before.
“It is also imperative that athletes check whether they are included in UKAD’s National TUE Pool and to understand that, if they are, they are required to apply for a TUE in advance of using medication that contains a Prohibited Substance.”
The Rugby Football League added, “The RFL supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition. Players are responsible for checking the contents of any medication before use.
“The RFL works with RL Cares, the sport’s independent charity, to ensure support is available for players in cases such as this.”
UKAD’s Medicine and TUE Hub has information online for all athletes on how to check the anti-doping status of their medication. Athletes can also check whether they are included in the National TUE Pool. Visit UKAD’s Search Check Apply campaign for more information, including how and when to apply for a TUE.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Rugby League player Taylor Baddeley received a one-month ban from all sport following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the presence of a Prohibited Substance in his urine Sample. At the time of this announcement, the ban has been served and the player is free to resume participation in sport.
On 8 April 2023, UKAD collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Baddeley at a game between Castleford Tigers Academy and Wakefield Trinity Academy. Analysis of Mr Baddeley’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for benzoylecgonine, a Metabolite of cocaine.
Cocaine is listed under section S6A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2023 Prohibited List as a stimulant. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited In-Competition only. The WADA 2023 Prohibited List also identifies cocaine as a ‘Substance of Abuse’.
The UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which implement the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code for sports in the UK, set out specific rules on how ADRVs related to Substances of Abuse should be managed. Shorter bans of three months are available for such substances when found In-Competition, if their ingestion takes place Out-of-Competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance. A further reduction in the length of ban, down to one month, is available if an Athlete satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment programme approved by UKAD.
On 19 May 2023, UKAD notified Mr Baddeley that he may have committed ADRVs in violation of the ADR. Mr Baddeley was also provisionally suspended from this date.
On 2 June 2023, Mr Baddeley admitted that he had used cocaine recreationally while in a social setting during the Out-of-Competition period. UKAD instructed a scientific expert to examine whether the concentration of benzoylecgonine detected in Mr Baddeley’s Sample was consistent with the explanation he provided. The scientific expert’s opinion was that cocaine had likely been consumed during the Out-of-Competition period.
UKAD charged Mr Baddeley on 11 July 2023 with the commission of an ADRV under ADR Article 2.1 (presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athletes Sample). On 20 July 2023, Mr Baddeley accepted the charge and the asserted period of Ineligibility of three months. Mr Baddeley provided UKAD with a report following his completion of a Substance of Abuse treatment programme. UKAD reviewed the contents of the report and in accordance with its own policy ‘Substances of Abuse: Policy for determining approved treatment programmes’ granted a reduced period of Ineligibility of one month.
Mr Baddeley has been afforded credit for the time he has spent provisionally suspended (since 19 May 2023). Mr Baddeley’s period of Ineligibility was lifted on 18 August 2023 and he is free to resume participation in sport.
Speaking on the case, UKAD Chief Executive, Jane Rumble said: “Substances of Abuse as defined in the WADA Prohibited List are prohibited in sport because they represent a real health risk to the Athlete, and they violate the spirit of sport. Athletes caught using cocaine and other ‘recreational drugs’ Out-of-Competition may receive a ban from sport and risk jeopardising their playing career.
“The Substance of Abuse treatment programme supports Athletes to recognise the dangers of substance misuse and identify where to turn to for support in the future.”
The Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, the sport’s independent charity which leads on player welfare, added:
“Rugby League supports UKAD in its testing programme of players at all levels of the sport, in and out of competition, and in this case specifically the recent introduction of the Substance of Abuse programme following positive tests for recreational drugs – supporting players in recognising the dangers of substance misuse, and explaining the range of options for ongoing support – which in Rugby League is led by RL Cares.”
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has recently released the 2024 Prohibited List (the List), which details the substances and methods that are banned within sport. Broken down into several categories, the List identifies which substances and methods are prohibited at all times, in-competition only, and within specific sports.
Following an extensive consultation period by WADA, the 2024 List was published on 27 September 2023. This gives athletes and their support personnel sufficient time to make themselves aware of the changes, review any medications they use, and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if required before the updated List comes into effect on 01 January 2024.
The below sections summarise the major changes to the List for 2024. Please consult the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes document for the full list of modifications.
Tramadol
Tramadol will be prohibited in-competition under Section 7 Narcotics.
UKAD will shortly be releasing a position statement for athletes and doctors on how to comply with the new tramadol regulations. This document will include the timeframes for when an athlete should submit a TUE for the use of tramadol, the factors to consider when making such an application, and scenarios whereby a TUE is unlikely to be granted.
Removal of plasmapheresis as a prohibited method
The donation of plasma or plasma components by plasmapheresis will no longer be prohibited when performed in a registered collection centre.
Tramazoline
Tramazoline has been added to Section 6 Stimulants as an example of an imidazoline derivative which is permitted when administered by dermatological, nasal, ophthalmic, or otic routes. It is prohibited by any other route of administration.
Additional Examples
Several new examples of prohibited substances have been added to various categories of the List. Please note that these are not new substances being added to the 2024 List for the first time but are additional examples of substances that are already prohibited.
Monitoring Program
WADA has also published the 2024 Monitoring Program which lists substances (not on the Prohibited List) that are currently being monitored for potential misuse by WADA.
Welsh rugby union player Joshua Hicks has been banned from all sport for a period of four years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of Prohibited Substances.
On 8 October 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Hicks at a game between Pembroke RFC and Penclawdd. Analysis of Mr Hicks’ Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for anastrozole, tamoxifen and drostanolone.
Anastrozole is listed under section S4.1 of the WADA 2022 Prohibited List as an Aromatase Inhibitor. It is a Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times.
Tamoxifen is listed under section S4.2 of the WADA 2022 Prohibited List as an Anti-Estrogenic Substance. It is a Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times.
Drostanolone is listed under section S1.1 of the WADA 2022 Prohibited List as an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid. It is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times.
On 16 December 2022, UKAD notified Mr Hicks that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), and provisionally suspended him.
Mr Hicks responded to UKAD’s Notice letter on 16 December 2022 and admitted taking the Prohibited Substances.
UKAD therefore charged Mr Hicks with ADRVs in relation to all three Prohibited Substances on 03 March 2023. On 21 March 2023, Mr Hicks re-iterated his admissions to taking the Prohibited Substances, but disputed the four-year period of Ineligibility asserted by UKAD.
On 04 April 2023, the matter was referred to the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (‘NADP’). However, on 28 June 2023, Mr Hicks confirmed that he now acceded to the period of Ineligibility of four years, and no longer wished to pursue a hearing before the NADP.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD Director of Operations, said:
“This case makes clear to those participating in rugby union in Wales that UKAD can conduct anti-doping Testing at all levels of WRU competition, and that all participants of the sport are liable for the consequences of their actions should they violate the ADR.
“All rugby players need to understand that taking banned substances will result in lengthy bans from the sports they love, and have trained long and hard to take part in. Rugby is a team sport, we want to protect sport for all, and we will always act to catch those individuals who try and cheat the system. It is never worth the risk.”
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) added, “The WRU promotes Clean Sport, and players at every level of the game, must adhere to the WRU Anti-Doping Rules. It’s vital that players are aware of the risks if they decide to take a prohibited substance for performance-enhancing or recreational reasons. We want players to make good decisions both on and off the field.”
Mr Hicks is banned from all sport for a period of 4 years from 16 December 2022 to 15 December 2026 inclusive.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has confirmed that Rugby League player Ryan Snowden has been banned from all sport for a period of three years, following first Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Use and Presence of Prohibited Substances in his urine Sample.
On 13 December 2022, UKAD collected an Out-of-Competition urine Sample from Mr Snowden at a Batley Bulldogs RLFC squad test. Analysis of Mr Snowden’s urine Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for ostarine (enobosarm) and clenbuterol.
Ostarine and clenbuterol are listed under section 1.2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List as Anabolic Agents. They are non-Specified Substances that are prohibited at all times.
On 10 February 2023, UKAD notified Mr Snowden that he may have committed ADRVs pursuant to Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) and 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method) of the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), and provisionally suspended him from that date.
Mr Snowden responded to UKAD’s Notice letter on 16 March 2023 admitting the ADRVs, explaining that he had taken a supplement that contained the Prohibited Substances.
UKAD charged Mr Snowden with both ADRVs on 05 April 2023, which Mr Snowden promptly accepted.
In accordance with ADR Article 10.8.1, Mr Snowden was able to reduce the four-year asserted period of Ineligibility to three years, after admitting the violations and accepting the asserted period of Ineligibility within twenty days of the Charge Letter.
Mr Snowden’s three-year ban from all WADA Code-compliant sport commenced on 10 February 2023 and will expire at midnight on 09 February 2026.
Speaking on the case, Hamish Coffey, UKAD’s Director of Operations said: “There is no place for anabolic steroids in sport and there are serious consequences for athletes caught taking them.
It is important that all athletes follow the Anti-Doping Rules and understand the risks associated with using supplements.”
The Rugby Football League added: “We support UKAD in their determination to ensure that sport is clean, and therefore in their testing programme in and out of competition, of part-time as well as full-time players. This is another example of how strict liability places responsibility on all athletes in these matters, and the serious repercussions of a positive test.”
Published Wednesday, 03 August 2022.
British para-cyclist Erin McBride has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
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