By PA International Staff

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Canadian sevens star Fred Asselin has been cleared of any wrongdoing after his Commonwealth Games drugs scare, paving the way for his return to the squad.

Asselin, who has won 10 caps for the full Test side, was suspended late on Monday after it was revealed he had taken pain-killers for toothache which contained a banned substance.

The case was passed by Rugby Canada onto the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the independent body who, after launching an investigation into the incident, have concluded that no further action need be taken. From their point of view the suspension can be lifted.

A statement from Rugby Canada revealed: "No further action shall be taken with regard to determination of whether Fred Asselin committed a doping-related infraction.

"The athlete has therefore been cleared to compete and is in good standing with the CCES."

However, Rugby Canada must still clear a final hurdle before the British Columbia winger can lace up his boots for Commonwealth action on Friday.

The International Rugby Board must give Rugby Canada permission to formally lift Asselin's suspension before he can return, and it is by no means guaranteed to do so.

Gareth Rees, chief executive for Rugby Canada and a former Test fly-half, said: "It is our intention to await guidance from the IRB so we can lift our interim suspension and Asselin can play."

Rugby Canada hope that the open manner in which they have dealt with the situation, coupled with the fact that Asselin did not test positive at any stage, will work in his favour when the IRB make their ruling.

Canada, who reached the quarter-finals of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, take on New Zealand in the opening game on Friday.

The Asselin incident was the second drugs scandal to hit the Canadian contingent in Manchester, after tri-athlete Kelly Guest's B-sample tested positive for nandrolone.

Guest, who protested his innocence, had submitted an application to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be reinstated in time for his event, which takes place at Salford Quays on Sunday - the last day of the Games.

But the panel of arbitrators dismissed the appeal and were expected to give their reasons for doing so later on Thursday.

Canada rugby sevens team manager David Hill confirmed that Asselin was on his way to Manchester but would need IRB clearance before he could play.

"Rugby Canada is obliged to report anything that is doping-related to the IRB - they have to report CCES's decision on Fred to them," said Hill.

"They may accept CCES's decision or refer it to an appeal committee of the IRB."

Asked how soon he expected to hear whether or not the IRB have given the go ahead for Asselin to play, Hill replied: "Hopefully, very soon."

Canada will play tournament favourites New Zealand in their opening match tomorrow.