Failed test for asthma drug was due to mix-up, says rugby ace MacLeod

SCOTLAND rugby lock Scott MacLeod has been cleared to keep playing despite taking a banned substance for his asthma.

The Llanelli Scarlets lock forward insisted he was not a cheat and that he had been the victim of an oversight.

But, while the Scottish Rugby Union called a hastily-arranged media conference to reveal that the player, who gained his 16th cap in Saturday's 34-13 defeat by Ireland in Dublin, had been cleared with a warning by an independent review panel, doubts remained over the impact of the decision. It was conceded by Scottish Rugby bosses that the judicial panel, who issued what amounted to the mildest of rebukes for a transgression that could have carried a one-year ban, were appointed by Murrayfield and that further action might still be taken if thought necessary by the International Rugby Board and anti-doping agencies.

Defending that decision Gregor Nicholson, the SRU's international administration manager, said he was confident the matter, which came to light following a routine testing, was now closed.

"The independent committee as with all off-field cases are appointed by the SRU. They are entirely independent of the SRU. In saying that we have kept UK Sport and the IRB fully apprised. They have received a copy of the full decision.

"It is in their hands to review this whole process which is entirely open and above board.

"They have the right to ask us to review if they so choose. That matter is with them at the moment. From our point of view he is completely cleared.

"The independent committee confirmed last Monday that Scott's only sanction was a warning and a reprimand.

"He was provisionally suspended on receipt of the result which was the fourteenth of February.

"As of last Monday that provisional suspension was lifted. There is no requirement for them to do anything.

"They simply have the right to review the case and ask us to hold a formal review.

"They would need to intimate they were unhappy with an aspect of the case."

The case against MacLeod, from Hawick but now a member of Llanelli Scarlets, hinges on the type of inhaler he uses.

Analysis of a urine sample showed the presence of Terbutaline.

An SRU statement said: "MacLeod did not have a current valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for this drug. He does have a current TUE for Salbutamol, another asthma medication."

MacLeod said he was prepared to front up at today's conference to draw attention to how mistakes can be made and the importance of having the appropriate clearance.

He said: "I'm not a cheat and I'm pleased that the panel accepted that I'd used Terbutaline inadvertently and that there had been no intention to enhance sports performance.

"I have had asthma since I was two and have never left the house since I was five without an inhaler.

"I could not play sport without an inhaler. I certainly won't make that mistake again."

SRU doctor James Robson said that steps were being taken to discuss TUE's with other members of the Scotland squad who are asthmatic.

Robson said: "Asthma is a very, very serious condition.

"Scott's medical knowledge is a little bit limited. I think he has made a very genuine mistake and I'm glad he has come out publicly to emphasise why the mistake was made and also how he has managed to reach such high levels."

The independent judicial panel comprised former Scotland team doctor, Donald MacLeod, along with lawyer Rod McKenzie and Dr Brian Walker.

FACTFILE

Born March 3, 1979 in Hawick.

• Currently plays for Llanelli Scarlets.

• Made his debut for the Scottish national side on November 6, 2004, in a match against Australia, and has received 16 caps in total, without scoring.

• Was in the Scotland squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where he made five appearances (four as a substitute).