A good look for the likes of the Kearney brothers, someone joked, but the message on the garments is one that World Rugby is pushing hard.
Today is ‘#KeepRugbyClean day’ at the tournament, with all players and officials across the numerous venues wearing the clothing.
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Ireland's players walk out at Wembley this afternoon. Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
Ireland’s read ‘Tackle doping’ on the front and ‘#KeepRugbyClean’ on the rear.
World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset underlined that the governing body “do not believe that there is a culture of doping at the elite level of the game,” but feel that the message must be reinforced for younger players.
South Africa international Chiliboy Ralepelle was recently banned for two years after a positive test for drostanolone, an anabolic. Toulon have reacted to allegations of doping at the club in rather blunt fashion.
Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip, captain for tomorrow’s game against Romania in Wembley, stated his belief that rugby doesn’t have a drugs issue.
I don’t think there’s a problem in the sport, the procedures in place are pretty good and stringent,” said Heaslip.
“To give an example, we give an hour (each) day of our time off to say where and when we can get tested. I’ve been tested numerous times, especially in this last quarter, the last three months. I’ve been tested quite a bit both after games and at 6:30 in morning.
“As much as don’t like it, it gets done, part and parcel of great game, the authorities do a great job keeping game clean.”
Simon Zebo shows off his t-shirt at the captain's run in Wembley. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Second row Devin Toner went along with his skipper.
“I think (the anti-doping) message is a great message to get out there,” said Toner. “I don’t think it’s a massive problem.
“For us, we’ve been tested countless number of times, so I think we’re going in the right direction.”
'I've been tested numerous times' - Heaslip says there's no drug problem in rugby
Murray Kinsella reports from Wembley
IRELAND ARRIVED ONTO the Wembley pitch today sporting bright pink t-shirts.
A good look for the likes of the Kearney brothers, someone joked, but the message on the garments is one that World Rugby is pushing hard.
Today is ‘#KeepRugbyClean day’ at the tournament, with all players and officials across the numerous venues wearing the clothing.
Ireland’s read ‘Tackle doping’ on the front and ‘#KeepRugbyClean’ on the rear.
World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset underlined that the governing body “do not believe that there is a culture of doping at the elite level of the game,” but feel that the message must be reinforced for younger players.
South Africa international Chiliboy Ralepelle was recently banned for two years after a positive test for drostanolone, an anabolic. Toulon have reacted to allegations of doping at the club in rather blunt fashion.
Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip, captain for tomorrow’s game against Romania in Wembley, stated his belief that rugby doesn’t have a drugs issue.
“To give an example, we give an hour (each) day of our time off to say where and when we can get tested. I’ve been tested numerous times, especially in this last quarter, the last three months. I’ve been tested quite a bit both after games and at 6:30 in morning.
“As much as don’t like it, it gets done, part and parcel of great game, the authorities do a great job keeping game clean.”
Second row Devin Toner went along with his skipper.
“I think (the anti-doping) message is a great message to get out there,” said Toner. “I don’t think it’s a massive problem.
“For us, we’ve been tested countless number of times, so I think we’re going in the right direction.”
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anti-doping Devin Toner drugs in sport Jamie Heaslip KeepRugbyClean rwc 15 Testing