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Tablets and vials of meldonium, also known as mildronate. AP/Press Association Images
drugs in sport

World Rugby suspends two Russian players over Meldonium violations

Rugby’s governing body has confirmed the suspensions.

WORLD RUGBY HAS provisionally suspended two Russian rugby sevens players from all competition following notification of potential anti-doping rule violations.

Both suspensions are related to Meldonium (Mildronate), the substance Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova tested positive for at the Australian Open.

In an official statement, World Rugby confirmed that Alexey Mikhaltsov, a member of Russia’s national men’s rugby sevens squad, and Alena Mikhaltsov, who plays with Russia’s women’s team, have both been provisionally suspended.

“These suspensions are imposed in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency compliant World Rugby Regulation 21,” reads World Rugby’s statement.

“Alexey Mikhaltsov, a member of the national men’s sevens squad, returned an adverse analytical finding following an out of competition test conducted by World Rugby and was suspended on 4 February, 2016.

Alena Mikhaltsov (née Bogacheva), a member of the national women’s squad, returned an adverse analytical finding following an out of competition test conducted by World Rugby and was provisionally suspended on 26 February, 2016.

“World Rugby moved to confirm these findings in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 21.14.3.1 after the Rugby Union of Russia issued a public statement today following recent media speculation.

“World Rugby will not be making any further comment until the completion of the process.”

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