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Anti-doping agency explain why they're targeting New Zealand schools rugby
By Ian Cameron
Drug Free Sport NZ (DFSNZ) will carry out anti-doping testing at the NZSS 1stXV Top 4 rugby tournament in Palmerston North in September it has been revealed.
DFSNZ claim they've identified elements within the schools rugby environment which indicate a significant potential for doping to occur, namely that they believe the practice occurs in both the UK and in South Africa.
This includes research conducted by Otago University on behalf of DFSNZ showing extensive and uncontrolled supplement use, along with the knowledge that doping (and in particular anabolic steroid use) is occurring in comparable environments overseas, notably South Africa and the UK.
DFSNZ has the mandate and responsibility to act in environments where it believes there is a significant potential for doping to occur. This competition is run under the jurisdiction of NZ Rugby who have adopted WADA Code compliant anti-doping rules that are mandatory for all players.
In a statement on the agency's website it reads: "It is essential that secondary school sport operates with integrity to ensure fairness and, most importantly, the health of players must be protected.
"Education is vital to ensuring that players, coaches and parents are aware of the processes and any related issues in advance of the tournament."
In 2014 Scotland U20 player Sam Chalmers opened up in a World Rugby vifdeo about his two-year ban following a doping violation.
“I was stupid and naive and I’m still mortified and embarrassed by what I did” Chalmers said of his decision. “I not only let myself down but my club and family as well. What I did was wrong and I hope that talking to the ASP athletes about it will help them realise how important it is that they are strong when it comes to making the right decisions.”
World Rugby operates a 'zero-tolerance' policy on doping and players are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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