Wasps forward Ashley Johnson has been handed a backdated six-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide.
The former South Africa international’s urine sample returned an adverse finding following an out of competition test on February 7.
However, at a hearing conducted by an independent national anti-doping panel, they concluded that Johnson acted without intent after taking his wife’s fat burner ‘The Secret,’ rather than his own legitimate supplement ‘Nutrilean.’
It was found that there was no “significant fault or negligence” on the part of Johnson and he will be eligible to play again from August 7.
Wasps’ director of rugby Dai Young said: “We fully support the measures in place to keep rugby doping-free, and are grateful for the professionalism shown by everyone involved in this case.
“Ashley has been at Wasps since 2012 and in that time successfully completed countless anti-doping tests.
“He is an extremely honourable person who has made a one-off accidental error for which he has held his hands up, apologised and accepted the consequences.
“This situation has highlighted just how easily a player can make a mistake of this kind. We have therefore strongly reinforced to all our squad that they must always be on their guard and fully aware of exactly what they consume.
“The last few months have been doubly difficult for us all because a process had to be followed and that prevented Ashley or anyone at Wasps from providing updates.
“I know this has been hard for our supporters; I would like to thank them for their understanding and hope we can now all focus fully on the season ahead.”
Johnson added: “I was horrified when I got the test results and once we tracked back and worked out I had inadvertently taken the wrong tablet.
“I completely accept that I am responsible for everything in my body. Drug use is not something I would ever condone, and from now on I will be extra vigilant at all times.
“I would like to thank my family and friends, everyone at Wasps, the RPA and our fans for their support through this difficult period and apologise unreservedly for what has happened.
“I am now working hard in pre-season and am looking forward to putting this behind me and getting back to being part of the Wasps squad.”