Rugby union player handed three-year ban for Trafficking of Prohibited Substances
Rugby union player Luke Sharpley has received a three-year ban from sport following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for Trafficking of Prohibited Substances.
In 2023, Mr Sharpley was sentenced to 18-months’ imprisonment suspended for 24 months at Northampton Crown Court for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Both cocaine and cannabis are Prohibited Substances In-Competition and, under the Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), their distribution by an Athlete may amount to ADRVs.
Following Mr Sharpley’s criminal convictions, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) commenced its own investigation into the matter, including a formal interview with the player. On conclusion of the investigation, Mr Sharpley was notified by UKAD of his alleged ADRVs for Trafficking of Prohibited Substances, and was provisionally suspended. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) later charged Mr Sharpley with the ADRVs.
Mr Sharpley accepted the violations within 20 days of the Charge Letter, which meant he was able to reduce the asserted period of Ineligibility from four years to three years, in accordance with the ADR.
Recognising the time he has spent provisionally suspended, Mr Sharpley’s three-year period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 23 July 2024 and will expire on 22 July 2027.
Technical terms and more information
Please note, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, capitalised terms used in this announcement have the meaning given to them in the UK Anti-Doping Rules and/or World Anti-Doping Code.
Today’s announcement is made in accordance with the applicable anti-doping rules, following the expiry of appeal rights for UKAD, the Athlete, and the applicable National Governing Body and/or International Federation.
