ALL BLACKS LOCK Patrick Tuipulotu has been “fully exonerated” of doping, New Zealand Rugby said, after his B-sample came up clean.
Tuipulotu’s provisional suspension was immediately lifted after the second sample was examined at a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in the United States.
“This is an important and welcomed conclusion for both Patrick and for rugby,” NZR chief Steve Tew said.
“We are pleased that a robust process has been undertaken, and that he has been fully cleared.”
Tuipulotu returned to New Zealand before the All Blacks’ Test against France on their northern hemisphere tour last November, for what was then described as “personal reasons”.
But it emerged this week that the 24-year-old had been provisionally suspended after a doping test revealed a “specified substance” on WADA’s banned list.
New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association chief Rob Nichol said it was unclear why there was a discrepancy between Tuipulotu’s A- and B-samples.
“This is a matter that SMRTL (the US laboratory) is investigating and we look forward to their feedback,” he said.
Tuipulotu, who has played 12 Tests and is signed with NZR until the end of the 2019 season, said the episode had been “incredibly stressful” but he was glad the truth had come out.
“I’m pleased the matter is now closed, with my reputation and integrity intact, and I look forward to getting back into training and an exciting year of rugby,” he said.
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Blame the players, Blame the fans, Blame the Ref, Blame the IRFU, Blame the Media. But what ever you do do not blame the Coach. Nothing to do with him.
It’s not him, it’s us, Ah, the ultimate kiss of death to any coach.
Bullshit
Fellas just aren’t doing enough
Would mean a lot more if CJ, Murray, POM etc came out and said this rather than an underperforming London Irish reserve who was given a cushy contract from his old buddy.
Or a player who has represented Munster almost 150 times, won two Heineken cups with them and a grand slam with Ireland and you’ve been giving Leinster fans grief for how long about gopperth?
Don’t forget he was selected for the Lions in 09 before he suffered a horrific injury.
We have been blaming the players…one or two for almost 2 years now. Yet the coaching staff still picks them as if there’s no wrong they can do while at the same time getting rid of much better ones.
Well said, all you’ve to do is look at how well they are playing in English and French leagues.
It was true when the Leinster boys said it last year and it’s true now.
Bad enough letting this clown play never mind talking. In every game he does something brain dead.
Please name some alternatives? This ‘clown’ has on several occasions been instrumental to Munster and Ireland’s success be it at scrum half or filling in at outside center and wing.. he’s not perfect but he deserves your respect
Kicking the ball out of touch against leinster in 2011 when the clock hit. He kicks possession away time and again .His shove against redden the last day was also hilarious . He just doesn’t use his head a dangerous thing in a position so tactical so in other words anyone could replace him.
“Has” that’s the key word.
Who would you prefer so Duncan Williams.
peter stringer isn’t playing too badly these days. i reckon a two year deal would have been possible.
Axel! We want Munster men playing Munster style rugby! Forget that c…n
Penney! We play territory and intensity/
support running! In their 22!
Simple game! Play in their half! Support the runner! Territory! Mauls, line outs controlled mauls! Finishing! Intensity when required and finally defence structures! Whoever hired McGahan/Penney regressed Munster! Axel! Pleeeze go back to what we love! You played a Munster style game for many years! Let’s have it back! recruitment! Munster men only! Ok 1 or 2 TOP class
Imports! Not rejects & journeymen! Axel
We want/need the Real Munster! You know how! Just do it!
I feel your pain Bill, you get a new smart phone for Christmas & can’t find the full stop for the first 2 weeks.(!)