Rugby Union's First Drugs Scandal: A Sporting Worry

The professional era of rugby union was only seven days old when it encountered its first drugs scandal, with at least 150 players from both codes allegedly linked to anabolic steroid use. The allegations, which came from a radio programme, have sparked a debate about the sport's vulnerability to drug abuse. With a low level of testing and a history of denial, rugby union is facing a crisis of confidence that threatens its integrity. Experts warn that professionalism may lead to more widespread use, and that education and increased testing are essential to tackle the problem.

Key Takeaways:

• Rugby union has a low level of testing, with only the top two divisions subject to testing, and only about a dozen tests carried out in the two years since the measure was introduced.
• The top players are tested regularly, but the current system is deemed "woefully inadequate" by Professor John Davies, medical officer of the Welsh Union and chairman of the International Board's Drug Task Force.
• The alleged use of anabolic steroids by 150 players is based on anecdotal evidence, and the producers of the radio programme refused to hand over their dossier of names.
• Denis Betts, the Great Britain and Wigan rugby league player, warned of the dangers of accepting gossip as fact and the need for stringent testing to maintain the integrity of the sport.
• The Sports Council's doping control officer, Michele Verroken, stated that drug abuse is a minority activity, with only just over one per cent of athletes worldwide misusing drugs.
• The introduction of legislation to make the trafficking of anabolic steroids a criminal offence may attract a new breed of supplier, according to Chief Superintendent Paul Cook of Greater Manchester Police.
• Education and increased testing are essential to tackle the problem of drug abuse in sport, according to experts.

Statistics:

• In the two years since testing was introduced, only about a dozen players have been tested.
• In Wales, only 18 tests were conducted at over 2,000 league and cup matches last year.
• Only the top two divisions in the Courage leagues are subject to testing.
• The alleged use of anabolic steroids by 150 players is based on anecdotal evidence.
• The trafficking of anabolic steroids is set to become a criminal offence in the UK, with legislation introducing a new breed of supplier.
• Only just over one per cent of athletes worldwide misuse drugs, according to Michele Verroken.

Sources:

• "Rugby's Drugs Problem", The Times, February 14, 1987.
• "The Halt, Not the Hat-Trick", The Sunday Times, 1987.
• "The Sport", Sports Council Conference, London, February 1987.
• Interview with Tony Hallett, secretary of the RFU.
• Interview with Professor John Davies, medical officer of the Welsh Union and chairman of the International Board's Drug Task Force.
• Interview with Denis Betts, Great Britain and Wigan rugby league player.
• Interview with Michele Verroken, Sports Council's doping control officer.
• Interview with Chief Superintendent Paul Cook, Greater Manchester Police.