L'Equipe this evening published a story which rocked international rugby. Urine samples collected from three Racing players on the eve of the Top 14 final were found to contain "abnormalities".
"These traces of steroids are prohibited substances in competition without permission," the report said.
The paper alleged that the three players in question were Dan Carter, Joe Rokocoko and Juan Imhoff.
The allegations have a stir since they have emerged into the public domain.
However, the New Zealand pair's management spoke to the NZ Herald and appeared to imply that the players had clearance to take the banned substance under a 'Therapeutic Use Exemption'.
Simon Porter told the Herald that he's known about the positive test for some while.
We have been aware of the issue for a few weeks. Our understanding and assurances we've had are all the documents around TUEs were in place.
Porter said that Carter had been taking medication for a calf injury. The medication was presumed to be cortisone. Rokocoko was recovering from a knee injury.
This contrasts with the L'Equipe's report which says that the players did not have permission to use these substances under an exemption.
The controversial TUE's have become part of the sporting lexicon in the past month. 2012 Tour de France winner and previous anti-doping warrior Bradley Wiggins was forced onto Andrew Marr's BBC show to defend his use of TUE's during his triumphant season.
However, early this morning, Racing 92 have issued a statement on the matter. Unlike Porter, they claim that there is no call for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
The players did not need to get one.
"This case relates to treatment by an authorised channel, provided in response to proven pathologies, several days before the Top 14 Final and not requiring a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption).
Here is the full statement.
We understand the stir caused by the word 'steroid'. This word has strong emotional resonance because it may correspond to immoral and illegal behavior. It can also correspond to known, legal practices that are justified by medicine.
Its use in public should be controlled, and come with immense precaution as the damage may also leave traces if the subject was classified.Racing 92 wants to assert with the greatest force its sporting ethics,which have nothing to do with illegal practices, we are on the side of law, ethics and love of the values of a clean sport. We do not train players, we train men. Health and morality are two cardinal requirements.
All medical procedures performed on players cited by the media have been in the full respect of national and international anti-doping rules, both in terms of administrative and medical procedures. This case relates to treatment by an authorised channel, provided in response to proven pathologies, several days before the Top 14 final and not requiring a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption).
Racing 92 commits to collaborating with all relevant medical investigative authorities that the debate subsides and a full understanding is brought to the knowledge of all.
All medical procedures are clear.
Transparency will be total.
We are with those who are fighting for a clean and respectful sport. Juan Imhoff, Joe Rokococo and Dan Carter are everyday examples of behavior, generosity and ethics.
