On 3 January 2018 the National Anti-Doping Panel published its decision finding professional rugby league player Ryan Bailey to be without fault or negligence when refusing to give a sample following out of competition training. Daniel Saoul, instructed by Brandsmiths, represented Mr Bailey.
Mr Bailey, a highly decorated athlete who has represented Great Britain and England, had refused to give a sample in circumstances where the water with which he was provided by the testing team immediately prior to testing could, he felt, have been compromised.
The matter was heard over three days, with detailed factual and medical evidence being heard, as well as a number of significant legal arguments in issue.
In a highly exceptional decision, the Tribunal chaired by Robert Englehart QC concluded that Mr Bailey was not at fault or negligent, and would face no sanction.
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