Wednesday 1st February 2012
Leading New Zealand winger James Paterson has been banned from rugby for four months for using a banned substance.
The International Rugby Board said Paterson, who played for the United States at last year's Rugby World Cup, had tested positive for the painkiller oxycodone during the tournament in New Zealand. Oxycodone is classified by world doping body WADA as a narcotic and is prohibited in competition only.
Paterson provisional ban began on October 13 last year and he can return to rugby on February 13.
The 24-year-old, who has represented both the Crusaders and Highlanders at Super Rugby level, along with Canterbury and Southland domestically, disclosed the medication he was on when he underwent drug testing following the RWC test against Italy in Nelson on September 27.
Paterson had suffered a shoulder injury in an earlier game against Russia.
The USA team physician had prescribed and dispensed oxycodone to him, much to the disappointment of USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville.
"We must sincerely apologise to James who was very understanding and candid throughout this entire ordeal," Melville said in a statement.
"James's character or integrity should not be in question whatsoever.
For the full story go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/6296408/James-Paterson-handed-four-month-drugs-ban