Gareth Hock

[FROM A TO B]

Slightly amusing but potentially libelous comment

Careful, talk like that could land you or this site in trouble

[gpartin]

Keep it on Gaz Hock please, the last thing we want is to put the future of the site in jeopardy by naming names and making unproven suggestions, funny, obvious or otherwise.

[weststand-rich]

This is how daft he is.

On match day tests the anti-doping testers test for all substances including cocaine where there may be some stimulant effects within the match period. However on none matchdays, the doping tests don't test for cocaine, because the test is reasonably expensive and there would be no performance enhancement on none-matchdays.

So all you have to do if you want to play rugby and not get tested positive is avoid cocaine for the 2 day window prior to playing any match. And GH couldn't even manage that!

[cpwigan]

Just to add Do not expect any announcement re the B sample in the next day or so. The testers test every sport and Hock's B sample will get done when it gets done which means Friday at best, maybe next week.

[Fujiman]

Just to add Do not expect any announcement re the B sample in the next day or so. The testers test every sport and Hock's B sample will get done when it gets done which means Friday at best, maybe next week.

But would it not get priority?

[cpwigan]

No Fuji. However odd it seems. I think they add a few more parts too the test also which adds to the time it takes.

With a bit of luck Friday at the best is the current message.

[south_stander]

Hopefully by the time they test it the banned substance mite have miraculously disappeared lol!!

[fred_flintstone]

OK, there's seems to be much speculation on how these tests are carried out so I just spent a good hour of my life, which I'll never get back, reading the UK Sports drugs policy. To cut a very long and dull story short this gives the best overall view:

'When called for a drugs test the athlete is entitled to have a representative (such as their coach or team doctor) present to verify that the testing occurred in accordance to guidelines. A sample is provided (in view of an official of the same gender) and split into two bottles and sealed by the athlete. A code number will be attached to the bottle and recorded on the relevant paperwork to ensure the correct result is given to the athlete whilst retaining their anonymity.

Following the sampling procedure the athlete must complete a medical declaration which states all medicines, drugs and substances taken over the last week. It is important that the athlete records everything, from over-the-counter medicines, to supplements and prescribed drugs. If any of these substances are on the prohibited list the athlete must hold a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The competitor, representative and official all check the form before the official and athlete sign it and both parties are given a copy.

The samples are then sent to a registered laboratory (if there is not one on site) where sample A is tested using gas chromatography (which uses separation techniques to divide the contents of the sample) and mass spectrometry (which provides the exact molecular specification of the compounds). If a positive result is found with sample A, the athlete is notified before sample B is also tested. The athlete or their representative is entitled to be present at the unsealing and testing of the second sample. If this too is positive, the relevant sporting organisations are notified whose responsibility it is to decide what penalties or bans are to be imposed'.

So children, that's how it's done. Everyday is a school day!