August 11, 2022 (TUKWILA, WASHINGTON) – Today, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that Riekert Hattingh has accepted a 6-month suspension (which started August 4th, 2022) after testing positive for a Specified Substance on USA Rugby’s banned substance list. See USADA announcement here.

Riekert was prescribed a medication during the offseason to treat symptoms of a preexisting medical condition Riekert has had since adolescence.  The medication prescribed is not a Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) but is a Specified Substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency. At the time the medication was prescribed, neither Riekert nor the physician who prescribed the medication were aware that the medication was on the Specified Substance list and required a Therapeutic Use Exemption. His prescription use did not confer any competitive advantage to Riekert, as reflected in his sanction.

Riekert has accepted personal responsibility for the oversight and has begun the 6-month suspension. The Seawolves stand behind our Captain and look forward to him rejoining the Club at the conclusion of his suspension.

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