Anti-Doping Programme

2014-15
Anti-Doping
Programme
Annual Report
Contents
Anti Doping Programme - Annual Report
03
04
05
07
09
10
12
13
Foreword
Executive Summary
Landscape
Education
Research
Testing Programme
Anti-Doping Rule Violations
Next Season
RFU Illicit Drugs Programme - Annual Report
15
15
17
19
20
20
20
22
Foreword
Executive Summary
Landscape
Objectives
Education
Specialist Assessment and Treatment
Testing Programme
Next Season
Glossary of Terms
23
Glossary
- 01 -
Anti-Doping
Programme
- 05 -
Foreword
In preparation for the Rugby World Cup I met thousands of dedicated rugby fans and I can without doubt
say that sport matters to people. Doping poses an on-going threat to sport that can only be tackled head
on as a team. It harms players, destroys fair play and does irreparable damage to the credibility of sport.
Doping has no part in sport and it has no part in rugby.
This is the fifth annual report on the anti-doping and illicit drugs programmes in English rugby. Players at
all levels expect the RFU and its partners to ensure that the competition amongst players and teams is fair.
Cheating, and the blight of doping, plays no part in our game.
It is a sad fact that performance enhancing drug use is not an issue that is confined to elite sport and
has permeated through society. The impact is perhaps more acutely felt now than it was in the past,
when it first became a major challenge for sport. Recreational players doping in order to improve their
performance and young people taking performance enhancing drugs in a bid enhance their image present a
challenge to society in general and to the core values of the game.
Rob Andrew – Professional Rugby Director, Rugby Football Union
We are operating in a world where the threats to the integrity of rugby are much broader than doping
alone. This season the RPA has again embarked on a wide ranging education drive working closely with our
partners at the RFU and Premiership Rugby. Education is vital to an effective integrity programme and is
the first line of defence in protecting the rights of players.
Doping is something the Rugby Players’ Association and its members want no part of, the risk to the
reputation of the game and the health of the players is incalculable.
Richard Bryan – Rugby Director, Rugby Players’ Association
Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs and their players understand the importance of leading by example in
anti-doping campaigns and how making rugby a drug free sport is paramount. This report once again
demonstrates that the strategic work undertaken through the Anti-Doping Advisory Group continues to be
effective in supporting our commitment to keeping professional rugby drug free. However, we know that
we cannot be complacent and each season we work with all stakeholders to enhance the anti-doping and
illicit drugs management systems. There is still cause for concern around doping by some aspiring young
players and those within the recreational part of our sport which we must continue to identify and deal
with effectively. We cannot do this alone and external support from UKAD must be maintained through
sufficient funding and investment in research about the whole environment.
Phil Winstanley - Rugby Director, Premiership Rugby
We live in a country where sport is an integral part of the cultural fabric of our community. Sport can carry
the hopes of a nation, however we must accept that there will always be those who look to exploit those
hopes. The best way we can tackle these issues is by working closely together. The RFU and UK AntiDoping have an excellent relationship built on openness and transparency. We share the common value of
keeping drugs out of rugby.
Pat Myhill – Director of Operations, UK Anti-Doping
- 03 -
Executive Summary
•
This fifth RFU Anti-Doping Programme
Annual Report provides an account of antidoping activities in rugby union in England
for season 2014/15. It fulfils the commitment
made in season 2010/11 to report publicly in
this area of RFU operations.
•
This report demonstrates the positive work
undertaken by the RFU and its partners in
the fight against doping in rugby.
•
The RFU testing programme comprised 719
anti-doping tests with both blood and urine
samples analysed. Testing has taken place
both in and out-of-competition and included
both targeted and random selections at all
levels of the game.
•
The testing programme returned three
adverse analytical findings: one for
Cocaine (Stimulants), one for Clenbuterol
(Other Anabolic Agents) and one for both
19-norandrosterone (Anabolic Androgenic
Steroids) and Clomiphene (Hormones &
Metabolic Modulators).
- 04 -
•
Four violations have resulted from nonanalytical investigations (ie. not the result of
a failed test). This is the first season where
non-analytical cases have outnumbered
adverse analytical findings, highlighting
the importance of close collaboration and
intelligence sharing with both UK AntiDoping and the law enforcement agencies.
•
Anti-doping education has been delivered
to players at a wide range of ages and levels,
from the international and professional
game, through the RFU regional academies
and national league clubs to the community
game and education providers. RFU antidoping staff presented at seminars for
player agents, teachers, parents, coaches,
team managers and medical practitioners.
•
A continuing priority within the education
programme is advising of the potential risks
from the use of nutritional supplements.
Supplement use has become increasingly
widespread in recent years and the RFU
supplement position statement forms the
cornerstone of this message.
Landscape
Anti-Doping Advisory Group
The Anti-Doping Advisory Group is responsible for advising on anti-doping policy and drafting antidoping rules and regulations for rugby union in England. Formed in season 2010/11, the group replaced a
number of other committees with responsibility in this area, bringing together representatives from the
professional league, the players’ association and the governing body. The group membership also provides
expertise in sports science, sports medicine, law and anti-doping operations.
Membership:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rob Andrew (Chair); Professional Rugby Director, Rugby Football Union
Steve Grainger; Rugby Development Director, Rugby Football Union
Phil Winstanley; Rugby Director, Premiership Rugby
Andrew Rogers; Salary Cap & Regulations Manager, Premiership Rugby
Richard Bryan; Rugby Director, Rugby Players’ Association
Nicola Newman; Director of Communications & Education, UK Anti-Doping
Angus Bujalski; Head of Legal, Rugby Football Union
Dr Simon Kemp; Chief Medical Officer, Rugby Football Union
Stephen Watkins; Anti-Doping & Illicit Drugs Programme Manager, Rugby Football Union
Richard Nunn; Anti-Doping & Illicit Drugs Programme Officer, Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union (RFU)
The Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in England. The RFU works closely with
its partners in the fight against doping and conducts a comprehensive anti-doping programme covering
education, testing and results management. In addition to the anti-doping programme, the RFU was the
first union in the world to introduce an illicit drug testing programme.
Premiership Rugby
Premiership Rugby is the organiser and promoter of the Aviva Premiership Rugby competition, the top
division of rugby union in England. It also acts as the representative body for the league and its member
clubs.
Rugby Players’ Association (RPA)
The RPA is the representative body and collective voice of rugby players in England and looks after the
interests of all professional players, from academy players to those playing the international game.
The Association, originally the Professional Rugby Players’ Association, was renamed The Rugby Players’
Association (RPA) in October 2009, to reflect their expansion and increase in membership to include semiprofessional and retired players as well as full time professionals1.
1 www.therpa.co.uk/whoweare/index.php
2 World Rugby Regulation 21
3 WADA Mission: www.wada-ama.org/en/About-WADA
- 05 -
World Rugby
World Rugby adopted the WADA Code in June 2004 and is committed to a zero tolerance policy towards
the use of prohibited substances, methods and drug cheats in the game2. World Rugby undertakes
extensive testing and educational programmes across the game supported by a regulatory system which is
in compliance with the Code.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
WADA’s mission is “to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms”3.
WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency composed of and funded equally by
sport and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, development
of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the code. WADA is a Swiss private law foundation; its seat is in
Lausanne, Switzerland, and its headquarters in Montreal, Canada.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR)
Established in 2014 with headquarters in Neuchatel, Switzerland; European Professional Club Rugby
(EPCR) is the organiser of the European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup
tournaments. The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournament feature clubs which have qualified on
merit from their respective domestic leagues - the Aviva Premiership, the Top 14 and the Guinness PRO12.
EPCR’s tournaments are run according to World Rugby’s Laws of the Game and to World Rugby Regulations.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD)
UKAD is the national body responsible for the implementation and management of the UK’s National
Anti-Doping Policy. It is responsible for ensuring sports bodies in the UK comply with the Code. UKAD
works with athletes and sports to develop and deliver education and anti-doping information programmes.
UKAD’s testing programme covers more than 40 sports.
- 06 -
Anti-Doping Programme at a Glance
SE
R
E
V
D
A
3
AL
C
I
T
Y
L
A
AN
S
FINDING
70% of samples
collected out
of competition
15%
OF SAMPLES
COLLECTED
WERE
719
ANTI-DOPING
TESTS
BLOOD
Education
The RFU education programme places an emphasis on the individual player to take responsibility for antidoping. Working in partnership with World Rugby and UKAD the ‘Keep Rugby Clean’ and ‘100% ME’ brands
continue to form a key component of the education programme.
Squad Briefings
The RFU provides extensive anti-doping
education to thousands of individuals each
year, helping players and support personnel
understand the role they play in protecting
rugby. Presentations were delivered to all
Aviva Premiership Rugby and Greene King IPA
Championship clubs in pre-season. It is vitally
important that players are individually aware
of their own responsibilities and are able to
put measures in place to avoid unintentionally
breaching the regulations.
In addition anti-doping education sessions were
delivered to all RFU Regional Academy and
AASE League squads ahead of the new academy
testing programme. These sessions seek to
ensure a positive sport experience by imparting
the lessons of clean competition, sportsmanship,
and peak performance; and focusing on the core
values of English Rugby. The sessions encourage
players to make good decisions, avoid risky
behaviours, and be leaders in their squads.
RFU staff delivered anti-doping briefing sessions
to all England age-group representative squads
(U16 wider development squad, U18 Clubs &
Schools, U17, U18 and U20 squads).
100% ME Advisors
All Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs are required
as part of the competitions own minimum
requirements to have two members of staff
trained as 100% ME Advisors. Every club was
compliant.
Each session is specifically designed to
complement and build upon previous sessions
delivered to the players as they progress through
the England age-group squads.
100% ME Advisors are trained to advise players
and provide support within the clubs on antidoping matters. They have access to e-learning
education modules to develop and maintain
anti-doping knowledge and receive regular
email updates.
A dedicated session was run for the England U20
squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship
2015. During the tournament, the team took part
in a Keep Rugby Clean day, promoting antidoping in rugby.
- 07 -
Rugby World Cup Chaperone Training
In May and July 2015 the RFU hosted the
culmination of the 2015 HSBC Sevens World
Series and Rugby Europe 7s Grand Prix
Series at Twickenham Stadium and Sandy
Park respectively. The events hosted top
international sevens teams from around the
world and drew a combined crowd of over
100,000 people.
Supplement Position Statement
The RFU Supplement Position Statement
is designed to be a useful guide for all
rugby players when considering the use of
supplements. The statement takes a clear
three-point approach and is supported by a
range of supporting education resources on the
England Rugby website. www.englandrugby.
com/governance/anti-doping/anti-dopingprogramme/supplements
To successfully conduct a rigorous testing
programme at these events required an
integrated approach with a number of agencies
involved. The RFU worked in cooperation the
World Rugby, Rugby Europe, Sports Drug
Testing International (SDTI) and England
Rugby 2015.
Rosslyn Park National School 7s
In a year where England is host to the Rugby
World Cup, these events were seen as an
excellent opportunity to provide chaperones
with valuable experience in the lead up to the
tournament.
This season again the RFU took the anti-doping
message to the world’s largest schools rugby
7s festival – The Rosslyn Park HSBC National
Schools Sevens Tournament - which attracts
7,500 boys and girls aged 13 to 18. RFU and
UKAD staff were in attendance throughout the
week to offer anti-doping advice, education
and resources to players, coaches, teachers and
parents.
Coupled with highly experienced anti-doping
personnel from SDTI and World Rugby, the
testing plan for the tournament was completed
without a hitch. Approximately 50 sample
collections were successfully completed with
excellent feedback received from players and
team management alike.
Player Support Personnel
Conferences & Seminars
EnglandRugby.com
In addition to delivering education directly
to players, anti-doping briefings have been
delivered to various groups of player support
personnel. These groups include team
managers, coaches, medics, strength and
conditioning experts, sports scientists, player
agents, parents, teachers, club officials and
academy managers.
The Website provides a platform for a range of
anti-doping educational materials. The antidoping pages are regularly updated to reflect
changes in the anti-doping landscape and
provide relevant content for users; including
presentations, interactive quizzes, videos and
case studies.
- 08 -
Research
Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan University) and the Rugby Football Union have
partnered on a research project to explore the use of performance and image enhancing substances in male
adolescent rugby union players.
A large-scale, representative study of adolescent sportsmen in England is currently underway. To date over
800 participants have completed the study.
The research is investigating young sportsmen and women who are under pressure to achieve and who also
face the pressures of simply being a young person. Understanding those pressures is critical to deterring
doping in our young players. The factors that influence players’ decision-making are not well known
and getting a valuable insight into the willingness to use or not use performance enhancing drugs will be
valuable going forward.
The research results will be published in 2016 and new initiatives are expected to follow.
“
- 09 -
Testing Programme
The RFU, in collaboration with UKAD, World Rugby, 6 Nations and EPCR runs a comprehensive testing
programme incorporating both in-competition and out-of-competition testing.
There is extensive target testing of players based on an intelligent assessment of the risk of doping. Factors
taken into consideration may include possible doping patterns from other sports, competition schedules,
common types of substances, injury, relative performance levels, age, sporting history, ineligibility, return
to play and other factors as prescribed in the WADA International Standard for Testing.
Whereabouts
Junior Academy (U17/U18)
Testing Programme
The RFU adopts and implements the World
Rugby anti-doping regulation which is
agreed by WADA to be Code compliant. The
World Rugby anti-doping regulation utilises
an International Testing Pool (ITP) and an
International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP) for
higher risk players.
The RFU run a testing programme specifically
targeted at academy level players in response
to growing concern about young players’
susceptibility to doping practices.
The regional academies and affiliated
education providers are very supportive of the
programme.
The ITP comprises international level players
from around the world. During periods of injury
and during the off-season (or other times when
players may be away from their clubs) they are
required to provide a one hour slot each day
where they must be available for testing.
The IRTP includes players who have either a
combination of missed tests from the ITP or are
otherwise considered to be of high risk. Players
in this pool are required to provide a one hour
slot every day of the year.
All squads attend a dedicated anti-doping
education workshop and testing takes place at
no advance notice during the season with over
100 samples collected.
“
In addition to the World Rugby testing pools,
UKAD requires the RFU to regulate for a
National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP)
which requires players to provide a one hour
slot every day. At present a number of England
international players are subject to the NRTP.
THERE IS E TARGET
EXTENSIV PLAYERS
TESTING OF
N
A
N
O
D
E
S
A
B
T
INTELLIGENENT OF
ASSESSM OF DOPING.
THE RISK
”
- 10 -
Season 2014/15
World
Rugby
RFU
Six
Nations
EPCR
Total
Number of tests conducted using each sample collection method
Urine
480
90
14
30
614
Blood
82
23
0
0
105
Number of tests conducted In-Competition & Out-of-Competition
In-Competition
154
16
14
30
214
Out-of-Competition
408
97
0
0
505
Number of tests conducted at each level of rugby
International
8
113
14
0
135
Aviva Premiership / Aviva Premiership
clubs in European competition
161
0
0
30
191
Aviva Premiership A-League
8
0
0
0
8
Greene King IPA Championship
124
0
0
0
124
National League 1
136
0
0
0
136
Junior Academy (U17/U18)
108
0
0
0
108
Other
17
0
0
0
17
30
719
Total number of tests conducted
Total tests conducted
562
113
14
Last Five Seasons
Season
Urine
Blood
Total
2014/15
614
105
719
2013/14
467*
144*
611
2012/13
507
110
617
2011/12
507
72
587
2010/11
595
110
705
*Includes those tests reported after the publication of the 2013/2014 Annual Report.
- 11 -
Anti-Doping Rule Violations
Season
Name; Club
Level of
rugby
Violation
Substance(s)
Sanction
2014/15
Northampton Wanderers
Phil Robinson;
A-League
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Cocaine
2 Years
2014/15
Luke Crunden;
Cinderford
Level 3
Presence of a prohibited
substance
19-norandrosterone
and Clomiphine
2 Years
2014/15
Arfon Kendrick;
Paviors
Level 6
Use or attempted use of a
prohibited substance
Human Growth
Hormone
2 Years
2013/14
Decision confidential
Under 18
Use or attempted use of a
prohibited substance
Testosterone
2 Years
2013/14
Decision confidential
Under 18
Use or attempted use of a
prohibited substance
Testosterone
2 Years
2013/14
Decision confidential
Under 18
Use or attempted use of a
prohibited substance
Testosterone
2 Years
2013/14
Chris Jose;
Bicton College
College
Use or attempted use of a
prohibited substance
Dianobol
15 Months
2013/14
Richard Briggs;
Henley
Level 3
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Oxandrolone &
19-Norandrosterone
2 Years
2013/14
William Robinson;
Rotherham
Level 2
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Clomiphene
2 Years
2013/14
Harrison Pickett;
Hartpury College
University
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Stanozolol
2 Years
2013/14
Ralph Cooke;
Blackheath
Level 3
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Trenbolone
2 Years
2013/14
Clive Peters;
Surrey Rugby
County
Possession & Trafficking of a
prohibited substance
Various
8 Years
2013/14
Harry Allen;
Harlequins
Level 1
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Cocaine
1 Year
2012/13
Michael Ryan;
Coventry
Level 3
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Clenbuterol &
19-Norandrosterone
2 Years
2012/13
John Freeman;
Matson
Level 7
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Cocaine
2 Years
2012/13
Aaron Mason;
Filton SGS College
Under 18
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Dianabol
2 Years
2012/13
Jack Warrington;
Sedgley Park
Level 3
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Methylhexaneamine
(MHA)
2 Years
2012/13
James Comben;
Henley
Level 4
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Methylhexaneamine
(MHA)
6 Months
2011/12
Andy Vance; Royal Navy
/ Gosport & Fareham
Level 7
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Methylhexaneamine
(MHA)
6 Months
2011/12
Jonny Spelman;
Harlequins
Under 18
Presence of a djsijddjsh
sdaoijdasjko
GPRH-6, Masteron,
Testosterone
21 Months
2011/12
Bradley Parker;
Hove
Level 6
Use or attempted use of a
prohibited substance
Dianabol
15 Months
2010/11
Nico Steenkamp;
Rotherham
Level 2
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Methylhexaneamine
(MHA)
3 Months
2010/11
Karena Wihongi;
Sale Sharks
Level 1
Presence of a prohibited
substance
Methylhexaneamine
(MHA)
4 Months
Note: Five cases are on-going and cannot be commented on publicly at the time of publication.
- 12 -
Next Season
The RFU will continue to deliver a stringent regime at the elite level of the game, while allowing greater
flexibility to target other areas as deemed appropriate.
It is important to recognise that all rugby players in England are subject to the anti-doping rules and may
be tested at any time. This approach will continue for next season, with additional focus placed upon the
National League structure and lower levels of the game where a number of violations have occurred in
recent years.
The decision taken to target the anti-doping message specifically to younger players through education
and testing will continue forward to next season.
- 13 -
Illicit
Drugs
Programme
- 15 -
Foreword
At the end of the fifth year of the RFU Illicit Drugs Programme, the RFU and its partners should continue to
feel confident in the beneficial impact this programme is having.
While two positive test results were reported in the season, for the first time there were no formal
admissions of use and the two positive results need to be seen within the broader context of societal use.
Research by Opinium in 2014 reported that more than 15 million adult Britons had taken an illicit drug and
the proportion of the population who have ever taken illicit drugs is growing.
These findings are mirrored by the 2013 to 2014 Crime Survey for England and Wales (see Landscape),
where around one-third (35.6%) of adults said they had taken an illicit drug in their lifetime and 8.8% said
they had taken an illicit drug in the last year.
The illicit drug programme looks to balance player health and welfare with the need to protect the image
and reputation of the game. 79% of samples collected were hair samples, with a detection window of up to
seven months. The two positive results of the programme in the 14-15 season again highlighted the risk
to players as a consequence of typically one-off episodes of impaired judgement that may be associated
with mental illness, long-term injury and alcohol use. No player who has been assessed by the independent
specialists under the policy to date has to date been found to have been a regular user of illicit drugs.
It is also important to recognise the part played by the players in the programme. They consistently support
a 100% drug-free environment and recognise that illicit drugs are not a part of their lifestyles or the game.
This report is not however reason for complacency. We must continue to be vigilant and also flexible
enough to reflect the changing landscape around us. The shifting nature of drug use within the general
population will be monitored, with particular reference to increasing use of “legal highs” and the testing
programme will continue to reflect this.
Dr Simon Kemp - Illicit Drugs Programme Medical Director
Executive Summary
•
This fifth RFU Illicit Drugs Policy Annual Report provides an account of the programme activities for
season 2014/15. It fulfils the commitment made in season 2010/11 to report publicly in this area of RFU
operations.
•
RFU Illicit drugs policy education sessions were delivered at all Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs during
the course of the season by RFU and RPA staff.
•
The RFU continued to partner with Alere Toxicology for its illicit drug testing programme. A total of
445 tests were conducted, with two positive results returned and 66% of all available players tested at
least once during the season.
•
Within the illicit drug testing programme 79% of samples collected were of hair, which when analysed
can detect illicit drug use for a period of between three and seven months.
- 15 -
,
S
R
E
Y
A
L
P
IT HARMS R PLAY
I
A
F
S
Y
O
R
DEST
E
L
B
A
R
A
P
E
R
R
Y
I
T
I
S
L
E
I
O
B
I
D
D
D
E
R
AN
C
E
H
T
O
DAMAGE T
OF SPORT
“
”
- 16 -
Landscape
Societal Use of Illicit Drugs
According to the 2013 to 2014 Crime Survey for England and Wales4 around one-third (35.6%) of adults
aged 16 to 59 said they had taken an illicit drug (excluding mephedrone) in their lifetime, which equates
to around 11.2 million people. The proportion of adults aged 16 to 24 having ever taken an illicit drug was
similar to adults aged 16 to 59 (36.3%).
Around 1 in 11 (8.8%) adults aged 16 to 59 had taken an illicit drug in the last year which equated to around
2.7 million people. However, this proportion more than doubled when looking at the age subgroup of 16 to
24 year-olds (18.9%).
15.4% of all adults aged 16 to 59 and 12.9% of 16 to 24 year olds had taken a Class A drug in their lifetime.
The trends in Class A drug use since 1996 for each age group follow similar patterns to use of any illicit
drug.
12.9% of 16 to 24 year olds had taken a Class A drug in their lifetime (around 791,000 people). This was a
decrease from 19.4% in 1996.
The overall trend in the proportion of adults taking an illicit drug in the last year has been essentially
stable at between 8% and 9% per cent since 2009 to 2010 following a period of decreasing rates from a peak
in 2003 to 2004. (Prior to 2003 to 2004 the proportion remained broadly flat at around 12%).
For all adults aged 16 to 59, the drug most commonly reported as ever used was cannabis, with around
three-in-ten (29.9%) adults reporting using this drug at some point during their lifetime. Around one-inten adults said that they had used amphetamines (11.0%), powder cocaine (9.4%), ecstasy (9.3%) or amyl
nitrite (9.1%) in their lifetime;
For young adults (aged 16 to 24), the drugs most widely used ever were cannabis (30.8%), powder cocaine
(9.3%) and ecstasy (9.0%).
Societal Use of Legal Emerging Drugs
The 2013 to 2014 Crime Survey for England and Wales asked questions on the last year use of legal
emerging drugs salvia and nitrous oxide.
2.3% of adults aged 16 to 59 had taken nitrous oxide in the last year and 0.5% of adults aged 16 to 59 had
taken salvia in the last year. For young adults aged 16 to 24, 7.6% had taken nitrous oxide in the last year
and 1.8% had taken salvia in the last year.
The RFU will continue to monitor reported trends in relation to societal drug use to ensure the programme
continues to be relevant.
4 www.gov.uk/government/publications/drug-misuse-findings-from-the-2013-to-2014-csew/drug-misuse-findings-from-the-201314-crime-survey-for-england-and-wales
- 17 -
Illicit Drugs Programme at a Glance
ZERO FORMAL
ADMISSIONS
OF USE
£1000 fine for first offence
for academy players
445 SAMPLES
COLLECTED
4 MAJOR ILLICIT
DRUG GROUPS
TESTED:
£5,000
FINE FOR
FIRST
OFFENCE
FOR SENIOR
PLAYERS
79% OF
SAMPLES
ANALYSED
WERE HAIR
SAMPLES
COCAINE
2 first
violations
CANNABIS
ECSTASY
AMPHETAMINES
- 18 -
3-7 month detection
period for analysis of
a hair sample
Objectives
Concerns about the health and welfare of players and the image and reputation of rugby in England led the
RFU to develop an illicit drugs policy and testing programme in partnership with Premiership Rugby and
the RPA. Season 2014/15 was the fifth full season in which the illicit drugs programme was operational.
The programme is run in a way that complements the anti-doping programme, consisting of entirely of
out-of-competition tests for the four most commonly found illicit drugs: cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and
amphetamines.
In Competition
Performance
Enhancing
Out of Competition
G
E
N
I
M
P M
O
D
A
I
R
T OG
N
A PR
RFU ILOLGICRIATMME
Illicit
Drugs
DRUGS PR
The two equally important principal objectives of the RFU Illicit Drugs Programme are:
•
•
To protect the health and welfare of players.
To protect and promote the image and reputation of rugby as a game free of illicit drugs.
In striving to achieve these objectives, it is recognised and accepted that an integrated approach to
education, deterrence and rehabilitation is the most appropriate method of deterring the use of illicit
drugs and protecting the health and welfare of players. The implementation and administration of this
programme by the RFU will be consistent with the achievement of these objectives.
- 19 -
Education
Education sessions were run by the RFU in conjunction with the RPA at all Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs
with the aim of refreshing the players’ awareness of the programme, and to provide an introduction to any
new players entering the league from the academy system, lower level clubs or from abroad.
Specialist Assesment and Treatment
Nightingale Hospital London is the first acute mental health hospital to have been formally accredited by
the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) for its counselling and psychotherapy
services.
Players who need specialist assessment under the Illicit Drugs Programme (following a positive test result
or admission of use) are referred to the Nightingale Hospital in London for expert assessment from a
consultant psychiatrist and, if necessary, follow-up treatment.
To date no player who has been assesed under the programme has been found to be a regular user of illicit
drugs.
Testing Programme
This season’s results suggest that although illicit drug use is present, it is far from widespread in the
Aviva Premiership Rugby player pool. A total of 445 tests were undertaken, with two positive test results
recorded.
Both urine and hair tests were conducted at all clubs throughout the season, with additional focus placed on
identified periods of higher risk. Selection was made from the senior playing squads and full time academy
players of each club. Selection may be conducted at random or targeted at individuals or groups of players.
In all, 66% of Aviva Premiership players were tested at least once, with some players tested on more than
one occasion.
In consultation with Alere Toxicology (the RFU’s testing agency and sample analysis partner) the sample
collection process has been designed to be as similar as possible to the sample collection procedure used
for the anti-doping testing programme.
Hair testing continues to be extensively utilised as part of the testing programme, now forming the
majority of sample collections. The analysis of a hair sample can detect illicit drug use over an extended
period of time – in some cases up to seven months.
- 20 -
Season 2014/15
Hair
351
Urine
94
Total tests conducted
445
Admissions of Use
0
Violations
2
Multi-Season Analysis
Season
Urine
Hair
Total
Admissions
of Use
Violations
2014/15
94
351
445
0
2
2013/14
172
309
481
2
4
2012/13
60
285
345
0
5
2011/12
289
295
584
0
0
2010/11
748
60
808
0
0
- 21 -
Alere Toxicology
Alere Toxicology provides over 10 million drug and alcohol tests each year for customers in over 75
countries. The RFU has been using the services of Alere for the past five years to conduct sample collection
and analysis for the RFU Illicit Drugs Programme. Alere Toxicology is one of the largest providers of drug
and alcohol testing in Europe. Eight world class laboratories provide legally defensible analytical services
to the workplace, healthcare, criminal justice and sporting industries.
The Global collection network is regularly trained and audited, collecting over 160,000 samples in 2014
across over 90 countries. We bring this expertise along with considerable experience when visiting RFU
sites to collect urine and hair samples. Samples arrive at the laboratory completely anonymously with all
player identifier details and sample paperwork sent directly back to RFU staff.
Alere Toxicology provides chaperones when attending sites in a similar manner to WADA procedures, in
order to protect players and collectors alike and create the most robust collection process possible. A full
chain of custody is maintained from the point of collection through to sample analysis, results reporting
and sample storage. Find out more at: www.aleretoxicology.co.uk
Illicit Drugs Programme Violations
The number of violations/admissions of use during Season 2014/15 has been slightly reduced compared
to last season. Two violations have occurred and no admissions of use lodged. Under the policy strict
confidentiality is maintained for all admissions of use and violations where it is a first offence. The RFU
shall therefore not be reporting the detail of any individual cases.
Phil Robinson, who played for Northampton Wanderers in the Aviva Premiership Rugby A-League as a
last minute replacement, tested positive for cocaine via a WADA in-competition test. He is therefore not
included in the statistics for the RFU Illicit Drugs Programme. It is important to note that he was not tested
as part of the illicit drugs testing programme as he was a member of the club’s support staff and was not a
registered player.
Next Season
The initial objectives of the RFU Illicit Drugs Programme remain: to protect the health and welfare of
players and to protect and promote the image of the game.
To this end, the RFU will continue to run the illicit drugs programme in line with an integrated three-fold
strategy; one of education, deterrence and rehabilitation.
Education will be delivered in partnership with the RPA during pre-season to players at all Aviva
Premiership Rugby clubs.
The testing strategy for 2015/16 will reflect observations, intelligence and the results from the last four full
seasons of the programme. The RFU will continue to utilise hair testing as a powerful tool to gain extended
glimpses into drug use patterns within the player pool and to focus testing on times/ areas of potential
higher risk.
Assessment, counselling and rehabilitation programmes will continue to be available to any player who is
eligible under the policy.
- 22 -
Glossary of Terms
ADAMS
The Anti-Doping Administration and Management System, which is a web-based database management
tool for data entry, storage, sharing, and reporting designed to assist stakeholders and WADA in their antidoping operations in conjunction with data protection legislation.
Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF)
A report from a laboratory or other WADA approved entity that identifies in a Sample the presence of a
Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers or evidence of the Use of a Prohibited Method.
Code
The World Anti-Doping Code 2009; it is the foundation of anti-doping rules and regulations.
Doping Control
All steps and processes from test distribution planning through to ultimate disposition of any appeal
including all steps and processes in between such as provision of whereabouts information, Sample
collection and handling, laboratory analysis, therapeutic use exemptions, results management and
hearings.
In Competition
A Sample collection which takes place after a Player’s participation or scheduled participation in a Match.
Out of Competition
Any Sample collection which is not In Competition.
International Standard
A standard adopted by WADA in support of the Code. International Standards shall include any Technical
Documents issued pursuant to the International Standards. Standards documents include those covering
Testing, Laboratories, Prohibited List, Therapeutic Use Exemptions and Protection of Privacy & Personal
Information.
Metabolite
Any substance produced by a biotransformation process.
Prohibited Substance
Any substance so described on the Prohibited List.
- 23 -
Minor
A Player that has not reached the age of majority as established by the applicable laws in his country of
residence.
National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO)
The entity(ies), designated by each country as possessing the primary authority and responsibility to
adopt and implement anti-doping rules. In the UK, this is UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
Prohibited List
The list identifying the Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods issued annually by WADA.
Registered Testing Pool (RTP)
The pool of Players, established by the Board and at national level by the Unions (and/or their NADO, who
are subject to both In Competition and Out of Competition Testing.
TUE
An exemption approved by a Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee based on a documented medical file to
enable a Player to use an otherwise prohibited substance for medical reasons.
Specific to the RFU Illicit Drugs Programme
Programme Medical Director
Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF)
A report from the Testing Agent’s laboratory
which identifies in a Sample the presence of
an Illicit Drug or its Metabolites or Markers or
evidence of the Use of a Prohibited Method;
The Medical Practitioner (or his appointed
deputy) who will provide day to day medical
advice to the Programme;
Programme Manager
Illicit Drug
The person appointed by the RFU to manage
and administer the Programme in accordance
with the RFU Illicit Drugs Policy;
Any substance listed in the version of Schedule
1 of the RFU Illicit Drugs Policy which is
current at the time of the Sample collection;
Sample Collection Officer (SCO)
Sample
The authorised person appointed and
responsible for conducting and overseeing the
Sample collection procedures. The SCO shall
be independent and properly trained in Sample
collection procedures.
Any biological material, including urine,
blood, hair (from any part of the body) and
oral fluid, collected for the purposes of testing
for Illicit Drugs;
- 24 -
Contact
Stephen Watkins
Anti-Doping & Illicit Drugs Programme Manager
E: StephenWatkins@rfu.com
T: 020 8831 7603
Richard Nunn
Anti-Doping & Illicit Drugs Programme Officer
E: RichardNunn@rfu.com
T: 020 8831 7604
Rugby Football Union. The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football Union.