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9th February 2017
09:15am GMT

The news had originally been reported by the New Zealand media before a joint statement was quickly released by NZR and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA).
The statement said: "NZR and NZRPA can confirm that, in November 2016, they were notified that a doping control sample provided by Patrick Tuipulotu had, reportedly, revealed the presence of a specified substance listed on WADA's prohibited list. "Patrick was shocked by the test result and is working hard to identify the source of the specified substance. In accordance with WADA regulations, Patrick remains provisionally suspended pending resolution of this matter. "Further to these regulations, NZR and NZPRA are bound by strict confidentiality obligations."The Auckland Blues player then played the week after, in a win against Conor O'Shea's Italy before being sent home. Now cleared of any doubt, the player will be free to get on with his rugby career. *Updated from story first posted on February 6
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