A talented schoolboy rugby player tested positive for the use of a banned substance at the 2023 u/18 Craven Week and subsequently lost his junior contract with one of the big four franchises.
We have confirmed the positive test, however, as the results of his disciplinary hearing not being known, we can not name him at this stage.
What is interesting is that the positive test is alleged to be due to the use of Concerta, which is a prescription medication (Schedule Six) approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Concerta contains methylphenidate which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Although Concerta must be prescribed by a medical doctor, Concerta and a few other similar brands are allegedly commonly used by students to increase their concentration during exams and studying. Such was the "abuse" that South Africa ran out of Concerta in October 2023 and only generic alternatives were available to the "struggling matriculants".