Asthma group backs rugby star

TOP rugby player Frankie Sheahan is a role model for asthmatics despite his latest brush with controversy, the Asthma Society said yesterday.

The hooker is back in Ireland after being sent home from the tour of Australia for testing positive for Salbutamol, a banned drug which is found in common asthma medications such as Ventolin and Salamol.

Sheahan, who is known to use a Ventolin inhaler to control his asthma, has blamed the result on human error, saying he forgot to tick a box on a European Rugby Cup consent form declaring his medication.

Dr Pat Manning, the chairman of the Asthma Society of Ireland’s medical committee said the situation was unfortunate and he hoped it would be resolved quickly. “He’s an asthmatic who is doing his best to play rugby competitively. From the Asthma Society’s point of view, asthmatics should lead as normal a life as possible, and people like him are great ambassadors for that.”

A urine sample supplied by Sheahan after Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final clash against Toulouse on April 26 revealed traces of Salbutamol, which players are prohibited from using unless for a declared medical reason. It is known to increase muscle mass and speed up the body’s metabolism.

Under European Rugby Cup (ERC) and IRFU regulations Sheahan will be suspended until his case can be heard by the ERC’s Independent Judicial Tribunal. A date for the hearing has not been set.

Sheahan’s punishment could be anything from a dressing down for not adhering to tournament rules, to a ban of up to three months.

It is not the first time Sheahan has made headlines.

Three years ago he headbutted an angry Irish fan in the aftermath of Ireland’s humiliating 50-18 defeat at Twickenham. He was fined £2,500 and warned by the IRFU about his conduct.

Dr Manning said in Ireland Salbutamol was only available with a doctor’s prescription, but in some countries it can be bought over the counter.

In January New Zealand prop Joe McDonnell tested positive for Salbutamol after the All Blacks played France last November. He claimed he had borrowed an inhaler from a teammate. After a failed legal battle the International Rugby Board issued a rebuke to the All Blacks management.

In March Irish middle-distance runner Geraldine Hendricken was banned after testing positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolene. She is appealing the decision, claiming the drug was in contaminated dietary supplements she was taking.