Ulsterman fails test

A non-international, provincial player - who represented Ulster in the European Cup final on January 30th - is believed to be the man at the centre of the latest drugs controversy to rock Irish rugby.

At tea-time yesterday, and no doubt much to its own annoyance and embarrassment, the IRFU revealed that a fourth Irish player in the last two seasons has tested positive in a post-match drugs test conducted by the UK Sports Council.

A statement read: "The IRFU states that it has referred an adverse dope control finding to its Independent Drugs Tribunal. In the event that the tribunal imposes a sanction on the player, the IRFU will issue a further statement." Bound by a confidentiality clause in the International Board's regulations, the IRFU will not reveal the identity of the player until the tribunal's findings are released.

The tribunal is again headed by former chief Justice Tom Finlay, and consisting of Dr Tony O'Neill and Professor Brian Buckley. It is presumably now active, though there is no telling when the player's hearing will be completed.

However, sources indicate that the player is not a member of the international squad, but rather an Ulster who was tested positive for a prohibited substance after the European Cup final against Colomiers.

The union's press officer, John Redmond stressed that the IRFU has distributed anti-drugs posters and leaflets to all clubs and schools in Ireland.

"Off their own bat, in the last six months the union have carried out upwards of 100 tests at their own expense," he said. This included 12 members of the national squad, 48 provincial squad members and some of the Academy players. Tests were done after five All-Ireland League matches.

"This is aside from the 16 players tested at senior matches, 12 players at A level competition, 10 players at under-21 and four at under-19 in competition," Redmond added.

Meanwhile, apart from the All-Ireland League final, this is a varied and busy weekend in rugby. Wanderers travel to Dungannon, where they must beat the Division Two champions to earn the second promotion place at the expense of DLSP on points difference.

There are also cup ties in all four provinces, as well as the Provincial Towns Cup final between Ashbourne and Navan in Mullingar and the All-Ireland under-20 finals at Corinthians tomorrow.

Michael Lynagh will be guest speaker at the Heineken Kinsale Sevens which conclude with the final at 5.30 tomorrow.