Seven years of bans handed down as three more Kiwis caught for anabolic steroid offences

Three New Zealand club rugby players have been banned following anti-doping hearings conducted by the New Zealand Rugby Judicial Committee, acting on allegations brought by Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ).

The cases relate to offences committed in 2014 and 2015, uncovered through a MedSafe investigation into the operation of a now-defunct website that sold performance-enhancing substances. Charges included possession, use, attempted use, and in some cases alleged trafficking of prohibited substances such as Metandienone (Dianabol), Clenbuterol, Tamoxifen, and Trenbolone Enanthate.

One player received a two-year suspension, reduced due to lack of intent and delayed proceedings. A second was also handed a two-year ban after admitting to possession, with backdating applied due to delays and early cooperation. A third player and coach was issued a three-year ban after jointly submitting to the charges, with credit given for his admissions and the contribution of delay to the sanction’s terms.

These bans follow a similar ruling earlier in December involving five other club players.