UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected a urine Sample from Mr Hoskins In-Competition on 3 January 2020, following a match between Ebbw Vale v Merthyr. Analysis of Mr Hoskins’ A Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine.
UKAD issued Mr Hoskins with a Notice of Charge and a Provisional Suspension on 3 February 2020. Mr Hoskins was charged with violating Article 2.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) – “Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample”.
In admitting the ADRV, Mr Hoskins explained that the AAF was the result of cocaine used Out-of-Competition in a context unrelated to sport performance.
Cocaine is listed under section S6(a) Non-Specified Stimulants of the WADA 2019 Prohibited List, which states that the substance is banned In-Competition only.
Stacey Cross, UKAD’s Deputy Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs said: “When athletes choose to take recreational drugs, they not only risk breaking the law and endangering their health, but a ban from sport too. Athletes need to be aware that if they use cocaine Out-of-Competition and later compete in sport, they may face a lengthy ban if the drug is still in their system when tested.”
Considering Mr Hoskins’ timely admission, ADR Article 10.11.2 applies, which means that Mr Hoskins’ two-year period of Ineligibility started on 3 January 2020 (the date of his test) and will expire at midnight on 2 January 2022.
WRU Operations Director Julie Paterson added, “It’s vital that players at every level of the game are aware of the risks they are taking if they decide to consume substances of any kind, for performance-enhancing or recreational reasons.
“We now have Club Integrity Officers embedded in the community game throughout Wales, promoting anti-doping education and providing advice to players.
“The focus within our anti-doping education is on supporting players so that they make good decisions on and off the field, in order to safeguard their health, well-being and the integrity of the game, especially in these trying times.”
Go to wru.wales/antidoping for all the latest advice.
