RYOHEI YAMANAKA IS a 23-year-old member of the Japanese national rugby team. He’s only earned one cap at international level, but has just achieved a measure of international fame after testing positive for a banned steroid he claims to have had no knowledge he was taking.
The fly-half only wanted to grow an awesome moustache, you see, and forgot to read his facial hair tonic’s list of ingredients.
Though he protested his innocence before the International Ruby Board, Yamanaka has found himself on the receiving end of a two-year ban, the first in the history of Japanese international rugby.
He later apologised for his actions, saying:
“Due to my own negligence I have caused a great deal of trouble and worry for everyone.”
There’s no word as to whether or not he conducted his appeal while rocking a massive ‘tache. One can only assume, given the outcome, that he showed up clean shaven.
