RODRIGUEZ CLEARED TO RETURN AFTER INITIAL FAILED DRUGS TEST
17/10/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
RUSTY-JAKE RODRIGUEZ has confirmed his ban for a failed drugs test has been completed.
World No. 141 Rodriguez was provisionally banned by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) on September 16 after testing positive during a random drugs test at Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes on August 25.
At the tournament, Rodriguez was beaten in the first round by Steve Lennon, while Jeffrey de Graaf went on to defeat Stephen Bunting in the final.
The DRA launched an investigation into the abnormal test result, with interim measures preventing Rodriguez from competing in any DRA-governed events while disciplinary proceedings were ongoing.
But after several weeks of uncertainty, the talented youngster has now been cleared to return to action.
Rodriguez wrote on social media: “After several intense weeks, I’m happy to announce that my suspension is officially over and I’m now able to participate in all national and international darts competitions without restrictions.
“The matter has been fully clarified, and existing misunderstandings and grievances have been resolved. Thanks in part to the fair and constructive cooperation with the DRA.
“Now I’m looking forward again to the board, to the next challenges, to what’s to come. I’m really looking forward to it!
“A big thank you to the PDPA, my management and everyone who supported me during this time — athletically, personally, and mentally.”
‘RJR3’ made his mark by reaching the World Youth Championship quarter-finals in 2021, before backing it up with a Euro Tour run to the Hungarian Darts Trophy quarters the following year.
Austrian thrower Rodriguez also won five titles on the 2021 European Development Tour, finishing top of the Order of Merit which granted him a two-year PDC Tour Card.
The 24-year-old surrendered his Tour Card in 2024 after enduring a dip in form across successive seasons.
But Rodriguez is seen as one of the most promising talents and regained his Tour Card at 2025 Q-School after finishing sixth in the European Q-School Order of Merit.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
