ARTICLE
2 July 2024

Sport – B P Collins Advises Welsh Rugby Player

BC
BP Collins

Contributor

B P Collins, established in 1966 by Brian P Collins, is a distinguished, multi-award-winning law firm offering top-tier legal services to individuals, families, and businesses. With over 50 years of expertise, the firm excels in both commercial and private client work, fostering a cohesive and evolving team dynamic. Many of its practice groups are consistently ranked at the top in renowned legal directories like Chambers HNW, Chambers UK, and The Legal 500. Individual lawyers are often recognized as leaders in their fields or as next-generation talent.

The firm’s approach is deeply rooted in its core values of ambition, diversity, and innovation, with a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). B P Collins is consistently recognized for its excellence, having been named in The Times Best Law Firms since 2022.

B P Collins LLP's sports lawyers represented a Welsh Premier League rugby player facing doping charges. Despite the player's unintentional failure to seek a required exemption, the ban was reduced to two years, mitigating career and reputational damage.
United Kingdom Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment

Sports lawyers in B P Collins LLP's wider dispute resolution group recently represented a Welsh Premier League rugby player before the UK's National Anti-Doping Panel in connection with disciplinary charges over doping allegations.

The circumstances were unfortunate. Charges were pursued by UK Anti-Doping on behalf of the Welsh Rugby Union after the player tested positive for a prohibited substance, having taken medication by a consultant doctor for a newly diagnosed condition. However, an exemption was not sought in advance, as is required by the rules, and a charge was laid after the player tried and failed to obtain a retrospective exemption for its use.

With a ban of four years or longer on the line, and no argument that the medicine had been taken, the charges carried career-ending consequences. However, following an initial case management hearing and a review of written submissions provided on the player's behalf prior to the hearing, UK Anti-Doping conceded that the player's actions had not been 'intentional', such that the appropriate ban should be limited to a much-reduced period of two-years with credit given for time voluntarily suspended, and agreed to withdraw the proceedings.

Although it was not possible to argue that no offence had been committed, crucially, the finding of 'no intention' kept the ban and the reputational impact on the player to a minimum.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More