FIVE PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS in England tested positive for recreational drugs during the 2012/13 season, although a ‘confidentiality’ protocol means they will not be named.
The five positive results were part of 345 tests conducted by the RFU as part of the Illicit Drugs Programme, which conducts out of competition tests for common illicit drugs. The aims of the programme are to protect the “health and welfare of players and the image of the game.”
All five positive cases are being treated confidentially, after a £5,000 ‘first strike’ fine and access to assessment, rehabilitation and counselling for the guilty players. This is the first time since the 2009 launch of the Illicit Drugs Programme that the policy has been violated.
Meanwhile, the RFU’s latest ‘Anti-Doping Annual Report’ revealed that a further five English players had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
The report highlights that there were 617 in and out of competition tests undertaken over the course of the season. That’s 30 more tests than were carried out in 2011/12, when 587 players were asked to provide urine or blood samples.
The five positive cases last season all came at National League 1 level and below, with two for the banned stimulant Methylhexanamine (MHA), one for Cannabis and Cocaine, one for Dianabol, and one for 19-Norandrosterone and Clenbuterol.
Among the positive tests was 17-year-old Aaron Mason, whose positive result was for use of the anabolic steroid Dianabol. The player admitted to obtaining the substance from a local gym, and was subsequently banned from all sport for two years.
Jack Warrington and James Comben both came back positive for MHA following random tests after National League 1 and National League 2 matches respectively. Warrington was given a two-year ban, while Comben received a six-month suspension.
The cases of two other positive tests are currently being processed, while another two non-analytical cases are also at the same stage.
Despite those positive tests at the lower levels of rugby, the RFU were keen to highlight a “a sport in good health and the extent of testing, education, deterrent and research being deployed to keep rugby clean in England.”
Roy Headey, Chair of the Anti-Doping Advisory Group said: “This report demonstrates the positive work undertaken by the RFU and its partners in the fight against doping in rugby and there are many reasons for confidence in our programme.
“However, the anti-doping rule violations coupled with the Illicit Drugs Programme violations demonstrate more than ever the need to continue to adapt and respond to the changing threats to the game and its players.”
Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director of Premiership Rugby, joined Headey in putting the ‘proactive’ work in the limelight.
“The collaborative approach to managing the risk within rugby in England is a model of good practice. The proactive programme from the RFU, the Aviva Premiership Rugby Clubs and the players, who are genuine advocates for the core values of the game, provides the best possible chance of keeping the sport of rugby union clean and fair.
“We will continue to report annually since, in our opinion, openness about doping is the only basis for drug-free sport.”
To read the RFU Anti-Doping Annual Report for season 2012-13 in full click here
