IRFU Statement On Frank Sheahan Appeal

On foot of the successful appeal by Frank Sheahan to the sentence imposed by ERC Ltd., the Irish Rugby Football Union have issued the following statement

The Irish Rugby Football Union has been informed that Frank Sheahan has had a two-year suspension imposed as a consequence of a charge by ERC of a doping offence under the Heineken Cup 2002 – 2003 Anti Doping Programme, revised to three months, with an added fine of 5,000.

The Union also notes the lessons to be learned by players and administrators as highlighted in the Appeal Tribunal’s findings regarding the rules relating to completion of forms about drugs and other medications.

Notwithstanding the seriousness of the issues, the IRFU wishes Mr. Sheahan
well in his future playing career, which resumes forthwith, and with his asthma-related medical condition.

The IRFU further strongly reiterates that it fully subscribes to the
anti-doping programmes of the Irish Sports Council, the International Rugby Board and the European Rugby Cup. The IRFU’s determination to be proactive in this regard is outlined in the statistic that some 103 tests were carried out in the past season, from club to international team level.