Irish player tests positive for drugs

An Irish player has tested positive for a banned substance according to a statement released today by the IRFU. The Union were informed of the finding, in an outof-competition test, by the Irish Sports Council, who oversee the drug testing process in Ireland.

The matter has now been referred to the IRFU's independent tribunal which consists of former chief justice Tom Finlay, Professor Brendan Buckley, an eminent figure in this field, and Maurice Crabb, retired chief executive of the Northern Ireland Sports Council.

The IRFU said that because of a confidentiality clause between them and the players, they would not say when they were informed of the positive test or what category of drug was involved.

The statement did say that the player was not on an IRFU contract, which means he was not a member of a provincial or national squad nor was he a member of the IRFU Academy. The player has been suspended pending the outcome of the hearing.

The Munster Branch has confirmed that the all-ticket European Cup match between Munster and Castres at Musgrave Park on Saturday is completely sold out.

Meanwhile Leinster were delayed in their journey to Biarritz today because of fog in Paris. Better news was that Biarritz will be without former All Black full back Glen Osborne who misses the game through injury.