Carter 'cleared of all suspicion' over doping

Paris - French club Racing 92 announced on Tuesday that former All Blacks great Dan Carter and two other players had been cleared by a doping probe.

Carter, fellow former All Black Joe Rokocoko and Argentinian wing Juan Imhoff were the target of an investigation by the medical commission of the French Rugby Federation (FFR).

The trio tested positive for corticosteroids following last season's Top 14 final.

Carter said he was not surprised by the ruling and  described the affair as "disappointing and frustrating".

"I hold my integrity and the game of rugby's integrity in the highest regard," he said in an Instagram post.

"I love this game and owe so much to rugby that I would never do anything intentionally to bring it into disrepute."

"Whilst this whole episode is disappointing and frustrating, I support the authorities who work hard to ensure our game is played fairly."

Racing confirmed reports in the French media 24 hours earlier that their players had been officially cleared of any wrongdoing.

The club said the ruling "dispelled any doubts over-shadowing the medical practises of the club."

"As we have always stated, neither the players nor their doctor committed the slightest violation of the rules or the slightest ethical breach."

The original dope tests, ordered by the French anti-doping agency AFLD, found traces of corticosteroids, which can be used against pain, inflammation or allergies.

The substance is illegal when taken orally or injected in either the blood or muscle, unless accompanied by a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Racing had always denied all wrongdoing, saying the substance was administered by an "authorised method" several days before the Top 14 final and there was no need for a TUE.

Racing beat Toulon 29-21 in the final in Barcelona in June, with Carter and fellow former All Black Rokocoko contributing 20 points between them.

Carter spoke of his relief at the conclusion of the affair.

"I am glad that we can now put all this behind us so I can now concentrate on playing rugby!" he said.

I just received the ruling from the FFR today. No surprises that the FFR's ruling was that I'd done nothing wrong. I hold my integrity and the game of rugby's integrity in the highest regard. I love this game and owe so much to rugby that I would never do anything intentionally to bring it into disrepute. I appreciate all of the support I have had, it means a lot to me and my family. Whilst this whole episode is disappointing and frustrating, I support the authorities who work hard to ensure our game is played fairly. I am glad that we can now put all this behind us so I can now concentrate on playing rugby!

A photo posted by Dan Carter (@dancarter_) on Oct 18, 2016 at 2:07am PDT