De Villiers refuses to undergo further tests

TEST prop Pieter De Villiers, dropped from France’s Six Nations team after testing positive for cocaine and ecstasy, has refused to undergo further drugs tests ordered by police on the advice of his lawyer.

De Villiers turned down last week’s police request, arguing his positive control for cocaine and ecstasy would eventually be found null and void.

The South African-born player was dropped from France’s Six Nations team after testing positive for the two drugs in an out-of-competition test on December 18. He hopes to have the test thrown out as his lawyer believes there is no provision under French law to carry out random tests for cocaine and ecstasy unless the sport’s national governing body had asked for such a control.

Meanwhile, Springbok captain Corne Krige is set to retire from rugby in South Africa after the World Cup at the end of the year.

The 28-year-old flanker, who also captains Western Province and the Stormers in the Super 12, said his body was taking a pounding and he could no longer sustain the level of fitness and commitment required for test rugby.

Flanker Neil Back has declared himself doubtful for England’s Six Nations match against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday week after suffering a calf injury in Saturday’s win over Wales in Cardiff.

The news is worse for Leicester Tigers than England as Back has virtually ruled himself out of Saturday’s Powergen Cup semi-final against Gloucester at Northampton.

Wales, despite salvaging some pride with their display in the 26-9 defeat by England, have slumped to a four-year low in the Zurich World Rankings.

Following their Six Nations defeats to Italy and England, Wales have slipped to ninth, their worst position since early 1999.

Ireland have secured sixth place with wins over Scotland and Italy but even if they win the Grand Slam they are unlikely to overtake fifth-placed South Africa.

Latest positions: 1 England 1221 points, 2 New Zealand 1206, 3 Australia 1146, 4 France 1125, 5 South Africa 1045, 6 Ireland 875, 7 Scotland 793, 8 Argentina 755, 9 Wales 734, 10 Samoa 680.