In previous seasons the RFU has advised the game on common cold and cough remedies that contain banned substances. Such ‘over the counter’ remedies still represent the majority of positive drug tests within the RFU and players, coaches and medical staff are strongly advised to check the status of any medication being taken.

In addition, there has been increasing concern regarding nutritional supplements, ergogenic aids and herbal products. As part of the RFU programme of education on anti-doping, the RFU has approved the following position statement on nutritional supplements, ergogenic aids and herbal products.

All clubs are encouraged to ensure their players, coaches and medical staff are made fully aware of the RFU Anti-Doping Policy & Regulations (see the RFU Regulations & Competitions Handbook 2002/03) and the position statement below.

RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION POSITION STATEMENT ON NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS, ERGOGENIC AIDS AND HERBAL PRODUCTS

Nutritional Supplements
A wide range of nutritional supplements are available, these may include:

• Meal replacements
• Protein powders
• Carbohydrate drinks and related products
• Vitamins and minerals

The purpose of these supplements is to provide increased intakes of specific macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) or micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals), in a convenient and digestable form.

The use of macro-nutrient supplements may be appropriate for rugby players who are unable to meet their energy requirements through their normal diet.

The use of micro-nutrient supplements is not usually required by individuals following a normal, varied, balanced diet and living in healthy environment.

Ergogenic Aids
Ergogenic aids are products or substances which claim to improve performance to a higher level than may be achieved by training alone. Examples of substances in this category may include:
• Creatine
• Hydroxy-Methyl-Butyrate (HMB)
• Phosphate
• Glycerol

Many others, including a large number of substances banned under international doping regulations, the ingestion of which could result in a positive drugs test.

Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in significant concentrations in meat and fish. creatine is also available commercially, principally as powders and tablets.

Although the current scientific research suggests that creatine may be a safe, legal and effective supplement to enhance performance, the position of the RFU is that as with all nutritional supplements, it should not be taken unless under strict medical supervision.

Herbal Products
The term herbal product is used to cover a wide spectrum of substances ranging from those claiming to assist in the recovery from medical conditions, to those which claim to improve performance.

Position Statement
The manufacture of nutritional supplements, ergogenic aids and herbal products may not be subject to the same stringent standards as those applied to the manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines. There is a risk that these products may:

• Contain ingredients not listed on their label
• Contain ingredients in different amounts to those listed
• Contain ingredients which are banned substances
• Contain ingredients which are pre-cursors of banned substances

Consequently, the ingestion of these products may increase the risk of a player incurring a positive drugs test.

A player is absolutely responsible for any prohibited substance found to be present in his body. Accordingly, it is not necessary that intent or fault on the player’s part be shown in order for a doping offence to be established. Nor is lack of intent or fault a defence to a doping offence. It is each player’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his body and that prohibited methods are not used. A player is responsible for any prohibited substance detected in samples provided by him. It is also the personal responsibility of each player to ensure that he does not commit any other doping offence.

The RFU therefore, recommends that:

• Players should be extremely cautious about the use of any nutritional supplements, ergogenic aids and herbal products

• Nutritional supplements, ergogenic aids and herbal products should only be used where the process is controlled and individually monitored by appropriately qualified medical practitioners and nutritionists who are able to screen the supplements used

All nutritional supplements, ergogenic aids and herbal products are taken at the individual player’s risk and with their personal responsibility.

Help in ensuring you don’t take a banned substance
To assist players, coaches and medical staff,
UK Sport has introduced a valuable new resource to help players in identifying the status of specific substances. The UK Sport Drug Information Database provides excellent information on substances and their status within the sport of rugby union football. Simply visit www.uksport.gov.uk/did and follow the simple instructions. For those that do not have internet access, you can call the UK Sport Drug Information Line on 0800 528 0004.

In addition, the RFU Anti-Doping poster has been updated and a copy has been enclosed with Touchline for every club & school. Please ensure that the poster is placed in a prominent position.
Finally, the RFU has a supply of wallet-sized cards that detail the different banned classes of substances and methods. The cards can be given to players so that if they need to take medication, they or their GP/pharmacist can check whether it contains banned substances. These cards are available through Community Rugby & Operations Department by email: chrisburns@rfu.com, fax: 020 8892 4446 or writing to Community Rugby & Operations Department, Rugby Football Union, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS.

The RFU has a robust testing programme and players at all levels are liable to be tested at any time.

At the end of last season a playing member of a club tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended from all involvement with rugby union for two years. His appeal against the sentence failed. This player purchased a product which contained the banned substance 19-norandrosteinedione, an anabolic androgenic steroid, through an advertisement in a rugby magazine. Bob Rogers, Chairman of the Governance Standing Committee, has written to the editors of all rugby magazines drawing this to their attention.