It's a oncer, says Delasau

Fiji and Canterbury rugby wing Vilimoni Delasau denies he has twice tested positive for cannabis.

He was fined $500, banned for one match and reprimanded by the New Zealand Rugby Union this month after returning a positive test following Fiji's 91-0 test loss to the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium on June 10.

Fijian coach Wayne Pivac later referred to this being Delasau's second drugs offence, something Delasau yesterday denied.

Delasau has expressed his remorse, insists it was a once-only occurrence, and fully accepts the NZRU's decision.

But he said he was "very disappointed" to read a claim he had earlier tested positive for cannabis while playing in France.

Pivac was quoted as saying Delasau's punishment was "not [a] deterrent at all, especially for a second offender".

Delasau said "it was really frustrating" to read the untrue claim.

He said he had been drug-tested several times in France and no positive results were returned.

Delasau said he was disappointed the "Fiji media and my Fiji coach put something in the paper which wasn't true".

He said he had spoken since to Pivac, who was "very remorseful" for making the comment.

- NZPA