Wasps confirm that Ashley Johnson has been given a six-month ban after testing positive on February 7 2018 for banned substance hydrochlorothiazide.
At a hearing conducted by the independent national anti-doping panel, the long-serving forward advised he mistakenly took his wife’s fat burner ‘the Secret’ rather than his own legitimate supplement ‘Nutrilean.’
Having considered various submissions, the hearing concluded that Johnson acted without intent.
It therefore found there was “no significant fault or negligence” on his part and decided six months to be an appropriate period of ineligibility.
Due to the player’s timely admission and his conduct during the investigation, it was deemed that the ban should be backdated to February 7, making him eligible again from August 6 2018.
Under World Rugby regulation 21.10.12.2 Johnson is permitted to fully resume training with his club with immediate effect.