All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been suspended after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs last November.

Tuipulotu was sent home from the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour just before their Test against France, citing personal reasons for his departure.

He has since not taken part in the Blues’ preseason training in preparation for the upcoming Super Rugby season and was absent from the All Blacks' recent two-day training camp.

It has now come to light that the 23-year-old has been provisionally suspended pending further investigation into the matter.

ALSO READ: New big-money deals for Kiwis

New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association issued a joint statement confirming Tuipulotu’s urine sample returned a positive test sample for a banned substance.

‘NZR and NZRPA can confirm that Patrick was shocked by the test result and is working hard to identify the source of the specified substance.

‘In accordance with World Rugby Anti-Doping Regulations, Patrick remains provisionally suspended pending resolution of this matter.

‘Further to these regulations, NZR and NZPRA are bound by strict confidentiality obligations.’

Photo: Getty Images