Tune faces possible two-year drug ban
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ben Tune is to face an Australian Rugby Union tribunal into the drugs allegations against him.
The hearing will take place on Monday week, two days after the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations match against New Zealand in Sydney.
The ARU's decision to hold a full-blown hearing follows discussions with the International Rugby Board and could lead to a two-year suspension for the Queensland winger. The investigating committee will comprise of a QC, a former international player and a medical expert.
The ARU managing director, John O'Neill, who earlier this week tried to persuade the IRB to forget the whole matter, said yesterday: "The ARU decision to proceed with a full-blown hearing follows discussions with the IRB and is also in line with the game's anti-doping procedures."
Tune, who was administered the banned substance probenecid in March last year to aid his recovery from an infected knee, played two Super 12 matches with the drug still in his system though he was then withdrawn from Queensland's next four games.
Tune will play in today's Tri-Nations game against South Africa in Brisbane – a match now charged with ill-feeling because of the Springboks' attitude to the affair.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments