James Paterson handed four-month drugs ban

USA Rugby admits medical blunder

Last updated 13:55 22/01/2012

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LOWERED: James Paterson is tackled by Hawke's Bay fullback Israel Dagg in a provincial match for Canterbury in 2009.

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Leading New Zealand winger James Paterson has been banned from rugby for four months for using a banned substance.

The International Rugby Board said Paterson, who played for the United States at last year's Rugby World Cup, had tested positive for the painkiller oxycodone during the tournament in New Zealand. Oxycodone is classified by world doping body WADA as a narcotic and is prohibited in competition only.

Paterson provisional ban began on October 13 last year and he can return to rugby on February 13.

The 24-year-old, who has represented both the Crusaders and Highlanders at Super Rugby level, along with Canterbury and Southland domestically, disclosed the medication he was on when he underwent drug testing following the RWC test against Italy in Nelson on September 27.

Paterson had suffered a shoulder injury in an earlier game against Russia.

The USA team physician had prescribed and dispensed oxycodone to him, much to the disappointment of USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville.

"We must sincerely apologise to James who was very understanding and candid throughout this entire ordeal," Melville said in a statement.

"James's character or integrity should not be in question whatsoever.

"Trust is at the center of this issue, and James was acting on the trust he had in the medical staff. Unfortunately, the blame lies with the player rather than the doctor who made a serious error."

IRB Anti-Doping Manager Tim Ricketts said lessons could be learned from the Paterson case.

"The main message to come from this error is that all medical personnel and players must be diligent in checking all medications whether it be over the counter or prescription medicine to ensure it does not contain any prohibited substances. Under the strict liability principle a player is responsible for any prohibited substance found in their system."

Melville noted that his medical and support staff would be better informed.

"We need to have a clear system of checks and balances and, ultimately, make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

Paterson was born in Christchurch and spent time growing up in Hungary and the United States, where is mother is from.

He played American Football at high school and also represented the US at age group level.

Upon returning to Christchurch, he signed with the Crusaders in 2006, before playing at Super Rugby level in 2008 and 2009.

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He joined Southland and the Highlanders a year later.

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