Therapeutic Use Exemptions

Scotland lock Scott Macleod at an therapeutic use exemption hearing

Photo: RFU Archive

Rugby players at a certain levels of competition must submit a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application to the RFU if they need to use a prohibited substance or method for a legitimate medical condition.

Only players in the following England Squads or participating at the following levels of rugby are required to proactively submit a TUE in order to use a prohibited substance or method:

England U18
England U20
England Sevens
England Saxons
England National Team
Aviva Premiership
Championship

Players at National League 1 and below are only required to submit a TUE retrospectively (after use) within 10 working days following a drug test.

The TUE case study on Scotland lock Scott MacLeod highlights the importance of submitting TUE forms and the potential consequences of failing to do so correctly.