Sables players fail anti-doping tests in US

According to sources within the ZRU, the scandal could be bigger because the unnamed substance that was found in some of the players’ system were not over the counter medicines.
This means that the players are highly likely to have connived with medical professionals who could have written medical prescriptions for them to acquire the drugs in question at pharmacies or drug stores.
In a statement yesterday, ZRU acting general manager Sifiso Made did not name the three players that failed the anti-doping tests during the world tournament, preferring to keep a lid on the findings insisting a probe was still underway.
“The Zimbabwe Rugby Union has been informed by the International Rugby Board of adverse analytical findings concerning three Under-20 national team players following anti-doping testing at the recent IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in the USA.
“While it would be inappropriate to comment further while an anti-doping process is underway, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union is totally committed to the IRB’s anti-doping procedures and zero tolerance to drugs in sport.
“We will take the appropriate measures to ascertain what has happened and ensure that players representing Zimbabwe at all levels are competing on an even playing field,” read a statement from Made.
The ZRU general manager refused to mention the names of the players that were involved in taking the banned substances, the type of substances or the possible measures that could be taken against these players.
However, The Herald has it on good ground that the three players are Simbarashe Chirara, scrumhalf Dylan Coetzee and prop Ian Muza who is based at Sharks Academy in South Africa.
Regulation 21 of the IRB anti doping document states that: “(a) The player or person is barred for a specified period of time from participating in any match or other activity as set out in Regulation 21.22.13A or funding as provided in Regulation 21.22.13C.
“(b) Provisional Suspension means the player or other person is barred temporarily under Regulation 21.19 or 21.16.2 from participating in any match or other activity (as set out in Regulation 21.22.12) prior to the final decision at a hearing conducted under Regulation 21.20; and
“(c) Disqualification means the team’s results in a particular match, series of matches, tournament and/or international tour are invalidated, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes,”
Chirara was the first player to be caught on the wrong side of the law and he never played a game at the junior tournament before Coetzee and Muza were caught forcing the IRB to test all the Zimbabwe players.
If a player has to take a listed drug for therapeutic use, then the he should inform the respective Union and register with the IRB for them to be exempted.
Without the Therapeutic Use Exemption, the player risks committing an anti-doping offence that may result in a sanction regardless of the medical circumstances.
The IRB says players must obtain the TUE at least 30 days prior to the tournament with exception to medical emergencies. 
While some players have been found wanting due to dietary and muscle-building supplements, the IRB makes it clear that players should exercise caution with regards to the use of such supplements.
According to the 2012 IRB anti-doping regulations, players should seek expert advice and the player is the solely responsible for any prohibited substance found to be in their body. He (the player) is aware that any food or fluids consumed prior to providing the sample is done at the player’s own risk,” reads part of the regulations.