Sheahan launches drug ban appeal

Frankie Sheahan has appealed against his two-year ban for doping offences.

The Ireland hooker tested positive for the drug Salbutamol after a Heineken Cup semi-final for Munster against Toulouse on April 26 and was subsequently charged under the competition’s anti-doping programme.

Sheahan, who made his Ireland debut three years ago and has won 13 caps, protested his innocence at the time, claiming he had forgotten to properly inform authorities that he was using the drug to combat asthma.

European Rugby Cup Ltd did not accept that defence and banned him until May 30 2005 at a hearing last month.

The Munster player’s appeal against the decision will be heard in Dublin on Monday, September 1 in front of an appeal committee comprising Jeff Blackett, Jeff Probyn and Dr Roger Evans.