The University of Pretoria’s Dr Lervasen Pillay, a Lecturer and Sports Physician in the Section Sports Medicine within the Sports, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), has been appointed to World Rugby’s Therapeutic Use Exemption Commission (TUEC), an international body that ensures fairness and medical integrity in global sport.

The appointment represents a significant milestone in Dr Pillay’s career and reflects the University of Pretoria’s growing global influence in sports medicine and anti-doping governance. It also marks another chapter in South Africa’s expanding footprint in international sport regulation.

“Dr Pillay’s appointment to World Rugby’s TUEC is a proud moment not only for SEMLI and the Faculty of Health Sciences but for South African sports medicine as a whole,” said Professor Christa Janse van Rensburg, Head of Section Sports Medicine and Director of SEMLI. “This recognition by one of the world’s leading sporting organisations reflects both his individual excellence and the calibre of expertise we cultivate at UP.”

The Therapeutic Use Exemption Commission plays a critical role in international sport. It is responsible for assessing applications from athletes who require the use of substances or methods that are otherwise prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. These applications are carefully reviewed to ensure that athletes with legitimate medical conditions can access appropriate treatment without compromising fair play or breaching anti-doping rules.

TUEC members evaluate each case with meticulous attention to detail, analysing medical histories, diagnostic reports, and treatment plans to ensure compliance with WADA’s international standards. Their work helps maintain the delicate balance between athlete health and the integrity of competitive sport.

“Being part of World Rugby’s TUEC is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Dr Pillay. “Our task is to ensure that medical exemptions are granted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the highest ethical standards. Ultimately, it’s about protecting athletes while preserving the principles of clean sport.”

Dr Pillay’s new role adds to an impressive portfolio of leadership positions in the global anti-doping landscape. His journey began in 2017, when he joined the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) TUEC. His expertise and commitment led to his appointment as Chairperson of the national commission in 2021.

In 2023, he expanded his international reach by joining the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) TUEC — a global body overseeing the integrity of tennis worldwide. His appointment to World Rugby’s panel now positions him among a select group of experts trusted to guide decision-making at the highest level of professional sport.

“This appointment is a reflection of years of dedication to advancing anti-doping practice through evidence-based medicine,” Dr Pillay said. “It also highlights South Africa’s ability to contribute meaningfully to global health governance in sport.”

Beyond his international roles, Dr Pillay continues to make an impact through his clinical, academic, and research work at SEMLI. He is actively involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students in sports and exercise medicine, mentoring emerging clinicians, and contributing to research projects focused on athlete health and injury prevention.

Currently pursuing his PhD, Dr Pillay sees his work with World Rugby as complementary to his academic role at UP. “These appointments keep me connected to global best practices, which I can then 

bring directly into our teaching and research environments,” he explained. “It ensures that our students are exposed to the latest developments in sports medicine, ethics, and anti-doping science.”

Professor Janse van Rensburg emphasised the broader significance of Dr Pillay’s international involvement. “His participation in three major sporting bodies - national, tennis, and now rugby - enhances the learning experience of our students,” she said. “It shows them how South African expertise can influence global sport and inspires them to pursue excellence at every level.”

World Rugby’s decision to appoint a South African academic and physician to its TUEC underscores the country’s growing recognition in international sports medicine and governance. It also highlights SEMLI’s unique role as a multidisciplinary institute that bridges clinical practice, teaching, and research.

SEMLI is internationally known for its innovative approach to integrating science, health, and performance. The institute’s research and teaching programmes focus on the medical, physiological, and psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity.

“Through appointments like this, the University of Pretoria continues to shape the global conversation around fair play, athlete welfare, and scientific integrity in sport,” Prof Janse van Rensburg said. “Dr Pillay’s success is a testament to the academic and ethical standards we uphold.”

Dr Pillay’s work with the various TUEC’s will see him contributing to cases involving athletes across all levels of the sport, from grassroots to elite competitions. His expertise in clinical evaluation and his deep understanding of ethical medical practice will play a key role in guiding decisions that protect both the spirit of competition and the health of athletes.

“This appointment is not just a personal achievement,” he reflected. “It’s a reminder of how collaboration, integrity, and continual learning can have a ripple effect, from one classroom or clinic to the global sporting stage.”

With this appointment, Dr Pillay joins a distinguished international panel committed to promoting clean, fair, and transparent sport. His contribution strengthens not only World Rugby’s medical governance but also the University of Pretoria’s reputation as a hub for excellence in sports and exercise medicine.