Updated at 8.15pm
DESPITE POTENTIALLY HAVING an anti-doping hearing on the horizon, both Dustin Fletcher and Jobe Watson have been added to the Australia International Rules squad ahead of the one test series with Ireland on Saturday.
According to reports in Australian media, the pair were granted permission to play in the game despite possibly being banned from playing in the AFL after both were believed to have been served with infraction notices in the wake of the Essendon Bombers’ 2012 supplements scandal.
The pair are said to be two of some 34 players under investigation by the Australian Football League and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency.
Under AFL rules, players served with infraction notices cannot play in league matches but the pair have been granted permission to meet up with the International Rules team.
Another member of the squad, Travis Boak, said both Fletcher and Watson would be welcome additions to the Australia squad.
He told the Newcastle Herald:
“I think it’ll be great for them to come out and play and I’m sure they’ll enjoy the game as well.”
Originally published at 7pm.
