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Tuipulotu cleared of doping
By Dejan Kalinic
New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been cleared of doping and is free to return to rugby immediately.
A doping control B sample from the 24-year-old tested by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited lab in the United States showed no presence of a banned substance.
Tuipulotu's provisional suspension has been lifted and World Rugby will not be taking the matter any further.
"This has been a challenging and difficult time for me, my partner, family and team-mates, and I am grateful for their support," the Blues lock said.
"I'm pleased the matter is now closed, with my reputation and integrity intact, and I look forward to getting back into training and an exciting year of rugby."
New Zealand Rugby Players' Association chief executive Rob Nichol said the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) was investigating the reason for the difference in A and B samples.
"This is a matter that SMRTL is investigating and we look forward to their feedback," he said.
"This result also reinforces the importance of the regulations and strict confidentiality obligations regarding players and their rights.
"Patrick was unfairly labelled as a result of the premature publicity of this matter. We trust that everyone now has a greater level of understanding in this regard."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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