IRB introduce new anti-doping laws

The International Rugby Board have introduced a new anti-doping programme ahead of the Under-19 World Championships in South Africa next month.

IRB officials have teamed up with the World Anti-Doping Agency to raise awareness of drugs in the sport, with players and coaches today given an explanation of doping procedures.

Random players will be tested before and after games, and there will also be random out-of-competition testing.

IRB anti-doping manager Tim Ricketts said: “The IRB Under-19 World Championships is the ideal place to launch the IRB’s Player Outreach Program.

“Raising awareness and educating the players about anti-doping issues is an important part of the IRB’s anti-doping programme.

“Implementing a Player Outreach Programme at the IRB’s tournaments in conjunction with an extensive testing programme is a key step to ensuring that we keep rugby clean.”

During the tournament, tests will be analysed at the WADA-accredited laboratory in Bloemfontein within 48 hours, and any disciplinary action can be taken with immediate effect.