Rugby Football Union v Lipman, Crockett and Higgins

An RFU Disciplinary Tribunal yesterday found former Bath and England player Michael Lipman, and Bath colleagues Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins, guilty of misconduct in missing two drug tests which were scheduled by Bath in May 2009 following a high-profile end-of-season celebratory outing. 

The panel, which was chaired by HHJ Jeff Blackett, imposed a suspension of nine months on the three players, backdated to 1 June 2009.  The case is the first to consider the provisions of the standard Premiership player contract in relation to club-administered drug tests, and in particular whether clubs are entitled to require drug tests in addition to WADA testing under IRB law 21.  The decision will pave the way for the implementation of the RFU’s Illicit Drugs Policy which is currently being negotiated between the RFU, Premier Rugby and the PRA.

The RFU was represented at the hearing by Andrew Green and James Segan.