Thu 23 Nov 2023 | 08:32

French U20 star Oscar Jegou banned for one month for cocaine use

In a recent development, French rugby U20 sensation Oscar Jegou, a prominent figure in La Rochelle's back row, has been handed a one-month ban by the French anti-doping agency (AFLD) after testing positive for cocaine in August.

The suspension was officially confirmed on Tuesday night, shedding light on an incident that occurred after Jegou's team's opening game of the Top 14 season.

Despite the potential for a four-year suspension, the AFLD deemed Jegou's cocaine use as 'recreational,' leading to the one-month ban.

The alleged incident unfolded during a housewarming party just two days before the match, marking a setback for the 20-year-old player, who recently celebrated victory in the U20s World Cup with France.

L'Equipe reported that the governing body initially imposed a three-month sanction, subsequently reducing it to one month after Jegou voluntarily engaged in a treatment and awareness program.

Mathieu Giudicelli, the general director of the players' union, acknowledged Jegou's awareness of the mistake and the impact of the situation on the young athlete.

"He [Jegou] is very affected by the situation, he is well aware that he made a mistake, he knows it," stated Giudicelli in an interview with Le Parisien.

The player's proactive approach towards addressing the issue and participating in a rehabilitation program played a pivotal role in the reduction of his suspension.

This incident follows closely on the heels of former Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb's provisional suspension due to a positive drugs test for a growth hormone. Webb, contesting the charge, finds himself sidelined from playing until the conclusion of the case, underlining the increasing scrutiny on anti-doping measures within the rugby community.

Jegou's one-month ban serves as a reminder of the strict consequences athletes face for violating anti-doping policies, even in cases deemed 'recreational.'

The incident highlights the importance of player education and rehabilitation programs in addressing such issues within the realm of professional sports.