World Rugby has confirmed that it has provisionally suspended two Russia national sevens players from all competition following notification of potential anti-doping rule violations, both involving the prohibited substance Meldonium (Mildronate).
These suspensions are imposed in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency compliant World Rugby Regulation 21.
Alexey Mikhaltsov, a member of the national men’s sevens squad, returned an adverse analytical finding following an out of competition test conducted by World Rugby and was suspended on 4 February, 2016.
Alena Mikhaltsov (née Bogacheva), a member of the national women’s squad, returned an adverse analytical finding following an out of competition test conducted by World Rugby and was provisionally suspended on 26 February, 2016.
World Rugby moved to confirm these findings in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 21.14.3.1 after the Rugby Union of Russia issued a public statement today following recent media speculation.
World Rugby will not be making any further comment until the completion of the process.