All Black Who Started Against Ireland In Chicago Tests Positive For Banned Substance

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance.

The Auckland Blues star has not been seen on the pitch since November, after returning home early from the Northern Hemisphere tour, amid what has been described as an “ongoing personal matter”.

Fairfax have reported that Tuipulotu tested positive to a banned substance at some point last year and results were discovered in the lead-up to the final test of the season against France.

A spokesperson for the Blues said it would not be making any comment or statement on the allegations.

Tuipulotu toured the Northern Hemisphere with the All Blacks last November, starting against Ireland in Chicago and then against Italy in Rome but the giant second rower returned home a week early for what coach Steve Hansen described at the time as “personal reasons”.