This morning, reports emerged that Toulon were caught up in a doping scandal that threatened to derail their season before it had even begun. It was certainly a worrying development, not least because we're keen to see Paul O'Connell flourish in the Top 14 this season.
The mere mention of a doping scandal is enough to cause a stink around any club but particularly one as successful as Toulon. As a result, it's hardly surprising that Toulon have been quick to distance themselves from links that many have suggested are somewhat spurious.
Toulon's president, Mourad Boudjellal, called a press conference for midday today and duly preceded to savage the report from broadcaster RTL.
This is a case of fraud with regards to social security, using fake prescriptions. There are no players involved in the AFLD investigation and by the courts. The club has not been questioned and is not concerned.
There is a pharmacist who had worked with us since 2006. When we heard about what he was doing, we stopped working with him. We have a doctor who for a number of years always unfortunately leaves two or three empty prescriptions in case of emergencies... and the details of the social security cards of the players.
How can RTL publish information on organised doping? It's extremely serious. When you want to buy doping products, you don't take your social security card and go to a chemist, it would be stupid to do that. The journalist didn't do a proper investigation.
The original report suggested that a pharmacist had given anabolic steroids to Toulon players but Boudjellal categorically denied that saying that the investigation which prosecutors had undertaken was concerned with claims of fraud, something which had nothing to do with the club.
Boudjellal also confirmed that the club were considering legal action against both the pharmacist and RTL.
[PlanetRugby]
