UKAD v Morgan Jones

A decision in the case of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) v Morgan Jones has been published by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP).

On 7 December 2019, Mr Morgan Jones, a rugby union player, provided urine samples In-Competition. Sample analysis returned an Adverse Analytical Finding ("AAF") for benzoylecogonine (a metabolite of cocaine).  

Mr Jones was subsequently charged on 3 March 2020 with a breach of ADR Article 2.1 for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in his Samples. Mr Jones admitted the charge and the ADRV on 12 March 2020. 

In January 2021, the World Anti-Doping Code (the "WADC") and the UK Anti-Doping Rules 2021 (the "2021 ADR"), came into force. The provision of Art 27.2 of the WADC, reflected in Article 1.6.2(d) of the 2021 ADR enables tribunals to apply the 2021 ADR where they determine that the principle of lex mitior is applicable.

The NADP Tribunal, consisting of Jeremy Summers (Chair), Terry Crystal and Blondel Thompson found that Mr Jones had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation contrary to ADR Art. 2.1, and concluded that Mr Jones was entitled to the application of the lex mitior principle, imposing a period of ineligibility of three (3) months upon Mr Jones, pursuant to Article 10.2.4(a) of the 2021 ADR, pertaining to Substances of Abuse and their sanctioning.

Mr Jones was given credit for the provisional suspension served, and accordingly, has served his period of ineligibility.

A copy of the full decision can be accessed via the related documents tab on the right-hand side.

The National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) is the United Kingdom's independent tribunal responsible for adjudicating anti-doping disputes in sport. It is operated by Sport Resolutions and is entirely independent of UK Anti-Doping who is responsible for investigating, charging, and prosecuting cases before the NADP.