Mystery still surrounds positive drug test

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu is said to be shocked by a positive drugs test result which has seen him provisionally suspended from all rugby. New Zealand Rugby officials yesterday confirmed reports Tuipulotu had returned a positive sample for a substance on Wada’s banned list while on the All Blacks end of year tour, but mystery still surrounds the circumstances that led to the result.

In a joint statement issued by New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association, the organisations said they were notified of a positive test result in November.

“NZR and NZRPA can confirm that Patrick was shocked by the test result and is working hard to identify the source of the specified substance,” the statement read.

“In accordance with World Rugby Anti-Doping regulations, Patrick remains provisionally suspended pending resolution of this matter.

“Further to these regulations, NZR and NZRPA are bound by confidentiality obligations.”

The 12-test All Black has not been seen on the pitch since November, after returning home early from a Northern Hemisphere tour, amid what has been described as an “ongoing personal matter”.

Last week the Herald revealed Tuipulotu would not report for duty with the Blues Super Rugby franchise this week and would be sidelined indefinitely for the same personal reasons that saw him end his international season early.

At the time NZRPA manager Rob strict Nichol would not elaborate any further on the issue. His management also refused to comment.

It is also understood that circumstances surrounding the case are of a sensitive nature. Even now, media are being warned that the situation remains of a deeply personal nature and to proceed delicately.

It is important to note that the substance in question is a specified one, meaning Wada accept the athlete might not be guilty of taking something for the purposes of performance enhancement. As is outlined on the Wada website,