Reuters

McLeod cleared over failed drugs test

Updated 14.13 Mon Feb 25 2008

Keywords: scott macleod, doping, drugs, scotland, six nations championship, six nations, sport, rugby union

Scotland lock Scott MacLeod has been cleared to carry on playing in the Six Nations Championship despite testing positive for a banned substance.

MacLeod was found to have Terbutaline in his system without asking UK Sport for permission on medical grounds, but an independent judicial committee is satisfied he took the drug through an inhaler to treat his asthma.

The player in question is expected to make a statement

Athletes are allowed to use Terbutaline if they can show they need it for medical reasons.

MacLeod had asked for permission to use another asthma drug while he was playing for Border Reivers and the committee decided he can continue playing in this season's Six Nations Championship.

MacLeod said: "I'm not a cheat and I'm pleased that the panel accepted that I'd used Terbutaline inadvertently and that there had been no intention to enhance sports performance.

"Hopefully other players will be a bit more savvy given what's happened to me. I want to put this behind me now and concentrate on the job in hand with the national team."

The Llanelli Scarlets forward has accepted a warning and a reprimand and gave the Scottish Rugby Union to confirm his identity even though he is entitled to anonymity.

In a statement, the Scottish Rugby Union said: "Terbutaline is on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited list unless, when administered by inhalation, a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) has been obtained in advance.

"MacLeod did not have a current valid TUE for this drug. He does have a current TUE for Salbutamol, another asthma medication.

"On that TUE form, which was issued by the Border Reivers' doctor in April 2006, it was noted that 'he was previously on Terbutaline but that it was not available at the time'."

MacLeod played in Scotland's defeat by Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday and he appeared as a replacement in each of Scotland's previous two matches against France and Wales.