Sheahan’s drugs case set to stall his return

IRISH international Frank Sheahan, dragged back from Ireland’s trip to Australia after testing positive in a drugs test following Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse, is unlikely to have his case settled in time to re-join his Irish colleagues before the end of the tour.

The Irish team management and many of his colleagues have insisted he was caught out on a technicality based on a failure to properly complete an ERC (European Rugby Cup) questionnaire back in September.

Sheahan has been using a drug to treat an asthmatic condition which he has suffered from over a number of years.

The Munster and Irish player has long since declared his use of the drug to the Irish Rugby Football Union, details of which were automatically passed on to the International Rugby Board.

Unfortunately, it appears he failed to fully complete an information form for use by European Rugby Cup Ltd, and that would seem to be the main part of the problem.

Since his sudden departure from Perth (he was only with the Irish squad for about 36 hours), Sheahan has been preparing his defence.

He has two avenues of appeal, either to demand a second sample be analysed or allow his case to be heard before a tribunal by waiving his right to that second analysis.

In the circumstances, the second option is the most likely course of action but, up to yesterday, ERC had not received any complete communication.

While Irish team manager Brian O’Brien is on record as saying Sheahan would be welcome to re-join the Irish squad once the matter was sorted out, it is unlikely this will happen in the time frame allowed.

Ireland take on Australia tomorrow and then head for Tonga on Sunday. If Sheahan opted to face a tribunal, it could take some days for ERC to arrange suitable personnel to sit in judgement.