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USA Sevens team rocked as Unufe banned after failed drugs test
By Online Editors
The USA Sevens team have been rocked by the news that Maka Unufe has failed a drugs test.
USA Rugby confirmed that Unufe tested positive for Heptaminol on July 13th last year, a banned substance in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 21 anti-doping policy.
Unufe was taking a dietary supplement, for which he thoroughly reviewed the label and ingredients, which gave no indication to the presence of Heptaminol.
USA Rugby Director of Medical Michael Keating sent the supplement for testing, where it was confirmed the banned substance was present despite not being listed within the product’s ingredients.
Following a number of appeals and hearings, World Rugby acknowledged that Unufe acted without intent; however, in accordance with a strict zero tolerance anti-doping policy, has upheld a 14-month suspension.
As the suspension dates back to the original date of citation in July, Unufe will be eligible for training and competition ahead of the 2020 World Rugby Sevens Series and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Director of Medical, Michael Keating said: “This is an unfortunate instance of a tainted supplement in an unregulated industry. We urge all athletes to use extreme caution when considering nutritional supplements.”
Maka Unufe said: "This was a really unfortunate circumstance and a huge learning lesson for me. Because I was afraid to ask for guidance, I've had to face some very difficult consequences.
“In the same way I've learned from this experience, I want to set an example for other athletes in our game and help them understand that it's important to ask questions and seek support from the coaches and staff around them.
“Rugby means a lot to me and I don't want any future Eagles to sacrifice their opportunity to wear the jersey out of fear of asking for help.”
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Latest Comments
Effectively yeah, I like the move from Razor, reward those that play well when they get a chance (happened first for Tamaiti over Ofa).
I think he's got room for improvement still too, so happy that he's been told that he needs to perform better if he wants to come straight back in.
Go to commentsNz fans think their team is crap unless they are the clear no 1 in the world. Get used to the field catching up to you.
In other news campo reckons his Aussie team of 1984 could beat the current Aussie team. Have a look at the size of the players in the old footage most under 85kg…he is having a laugh
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