Former Highlanders
winger James Paterson is serving a ban for using a banned
painkiller during the World Cup.
Paterson (24) received a four-month provisional suspension on
October 13 after testing positive to oxycodone while playing
for the United States during the tournament in New Zealand.
The news has only belatedly come to light via USA Rugby and
the International Rugby Board at the weekend.
The IRB said Paterson would be able to play again on February
13.
It said he injured his shoulder during the World Cup and took
the painkiller to play in his team's last pool game.
Oxycodone is classified on the Wada prohibited list as a
narcotic and prohibited in competition only.
IRB anti-doping manager Tim Ricketts said "the main message
to come from this error is that all medical personnel and
players must be diligent in checking all medications."
Paterson played 11 games for the Highlanders in 2010 and was
selected in the squad again last year.
He has also played for Southland for the past two seasons.
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