UK League gets tough on drugs

Rugby League players will be subject to more rigorous testing than ever under new plans by the game?s governing body and UK Sport.

With immediate effect, all Super League players must provide UK Sport with details of where they will be for at least one hour a day, five days a week in the off season to allow for out-of-competition drug testing.

Andy van Neutegem, head of UK Sport?s national anti-doping programme, said: ?Having full, no notice, out-of-competition testing is essential in any successful anti-doping programme.

?The co-operation of the RFL and the professional players in making this a reality has been refreshing and is indicative of a sport which continues to take the issue seriously.?

Rugby league has one of the most comprehensive testing programmes in the UK, with 400 tests after matches or at squad training sessions scheduled to take place this year.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis says the new plans are a sign of the sport?s commitment to the fight against drugs.

?Introducing a programme of this kind means we can now potentially test players at their homes which is a major step forward for the sport,? said Lewis.

?I hope this sends a strong signal to anyone who is tempted to cheat by misusing drugs that this will not be tolerated.?

In addition, the League are to implement a new education programme under former Bradford Bulls chief executive Abi Ekoku in his new role as the first fully-accredited rugby league anti-doping tutor.

?I?ve been encouraged by the response we?ve had so far and I look forward to continuing to work with the players and clubs on promoting the drug-free sport message,? said Ekoku.

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Thanks to www.superleague.co.uk for this news.