RFU Reveals New Drugs Policy

The Rugby Football Union has revealed its new recreational drugs policy which sees players who test positive out-of-competition escape public disclosure.

Tests will take place on non-matchdays for the first time but only a second offence will mean a ban and disclosure.

The RFU stated that the policy ‘was not soft on drugs’ and ‘covered an area in which hitherto there was no policy’.

The RFU has agreed the measures with the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), and Premier Rugby.

Under current World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) regulations, samples taken in competition are also screened for recreational drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

Former England prop Matt Stevens made headlines in early 2009 after he tested positive for cocaine following a Bath Heineken Cup game against Glasgow in December, 2008.

Stevens is just over halfway through a two-year suspension as a result, but had he tested positive under the RFU’s new rules after a training session, for example, he would have been merely fined £5,000.

The club’s director of rugby would have not have been informed, and the matter would have been kept completely confidential between the player, the programme’s medical director and the club’s medical officer.

‘The problem is dealt with as a confidential health-related issue with the focus firmly on how to help the player deal with and be treated for his illicit drug use,’ read an RFU statement detailing the policy.

‘This also applies to a first admission of use, which does not count as a violation and for which there is no fixed penalty.’

Under the new rules, if a player commits a second offence, or fails to comply with the treatment process, he will be liable to a 12-month ban, public disclosure of the test results and a further fine.

A third violation would result in a further, longer suspension.

The RFU’s head of sports medicine Dr Simon Kemp said the policy was designed to protect players’ welfare and the image of union.

‘The focus of this is on the image of the game but also on rehabilitating,” Kemp said. ‘WADA doesn’t rehabilitate. It’s a sanctioning body looking to ensure a level playing field for performance.’

The RFU has enlisted the help of drug and alcohol testing provider Concateno, who will conduct tests at training grounds around the country, from elite to grassroots level.