The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has banned squash athlete Anthony Lepper from the sport for one month after a positive test for cocaine. 

Mr Lepper was tested at the New Zealand Squash Open in March and admitted to using the substance. The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui (the Commission) accepts that the substance was used out-of-competition and unrelated to sporting performance  

Cocaine is classified as a banned substance under the ‘Substances of Abuse’ category in the Sports Anti-Doping Rules. This category acknowledges that certain substances are used outside of sport and unrelated to performance enhancement. In such cases, athletes may be eligible for a reduced sanction. 

Mr Lepper received a reduced one-month sanction, backdated to 28 April 2025, on the condition that he complete a treatment programme for substance abuse. The athlete has completed the treatment programme and is now eligible to return to sport.  

Commission CEO Rebecca Rolls supports this athlete-centred sanctioning option.  

“This sanction allows the athlete to get back into sport after addressing substance use issues. It’s highly practical and supports long-term athlete health.”  

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa supports the sanctions and has expressed it disappointment in Lepper’s conduct.  

“This behaviour is a clear breach of our code of conduct and does not reflect the values we stand for,” said Squash New Zealand Chair Kyle Pontifex. 

“We thank the Sport Integrity Commission for its thorough handling of the matter.”