Former All Blacks Dan Carter and Joe Rokocoko are at the centre of drug allegations today, after French newspaper L’Equipe reported that they have tested positive for steroids.
According to the newspaper, the two players, along with player Juan Imhoff, have allegedly been found to have traces of steroids in their urine samples from the French 14 final in June, however their management say they had an exemption to use the banned substance.
All three of the players play for Paris based team Racing 92 – who won the French 14 tournament back in June against Toulon.
Carter won Man of the Match for the game, which saw the Parisian side beat Toulon 29-21. He scored 15 points with 5 penalties.
Joe Rokocoko and Dan Carter, pictured playing for Racing 92.
Dan Carter pictured after winning the French 14
While the French newspaper says none of the players had a medical condition that would have justified use of the corticosteroids, according to the players’ management, the Kiwi pair had the appropriate permission to use prescribed medication including lodging therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) with authorities.
Carter was receiving medication, probably cortisone, for a calf injury, while Rokocoko had a knee injury.
Simon Porter, a player manager who represents both players, told the New Zealand Herald he has been aware of the claims since the final in Spain on June 24.
“We have been aware of the issue for a few weeks. Our understanding and assurances we’ve had are all the documents around TUEs were in place.”
Dan Carter holidays after his French 14 victory.
