www.buzzinsports.co.uk

Concateno, Europe’s leading and most experienced provider of drug and alcohol testing services, has been appointed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Premier Rugby (PRL) and the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), for its Illicit Drugs Policy, the first one in world Rugby Union.

The policy across the whole game in England, from elite to grassroots, to protect the health and welfare of players and the image of the game, will come into effect this month and comprises an integrated programme of education, out of competition testing, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and sanctions.

Neil James, Concateno’s Commercial Manager, commented: “The RFU has a clear and strong commitment to the introduction of an effective illicit drugs testing programme. Its recognition of an integrated approach to this alongside Premier Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association – involving player education, deterrence and rehabilitation – will be vital in safeguarding the health and welfare of players, and in protecting the reputation of the game.”

Running alongside the RFU’s World Anti-Doping Authority Code  compliant Programme, the Illicit Drugs Policy has been based on models of existing good practice in other sports (in particular the experiences of the Australian Football League) that were reviewed and debated at the Illicit Drugs Forum held at Twickenham Stadium in July 2009.

While English rugby has operated a robust in and out of competition anti-doping testing programme for the past decade, the WADA Code does not currently prohibit or test for illicit drug use out of competition.

The focus of the new policy will be on illicit drugs, which are open to abuse in a “social” setting and already on the WADA Prohibited List for in-competition anti-doping tests and not for prescription medicines some of which also contain banned substances. Seven out of 24 positive in-competition tests conducted under the RFU’s Anti-Doping Programme between 2004 and 2009 were for illicit drug use, including two Guinness Premiership players.

There will be a “two-strike” policy with urine testing for cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines and “ecstasy” carried out by Concateno.

For a first positive test (Adverse Analytical Finding) there will be a fixed penalty fine of £5,000 for a senior professional (£1,000 for an Academy player) and the matter is kept completely confidential between the Programme Medical Director, the player, his club’s medical officer (and the England representative team doctor where applicable).

The problem is dealt with as a confidential health-related issue with the focus firmly on how to help the player deal with and be treated for his illicit drug use. This also applies to a first admission of use, which does not count as a violation and for which there is no fixed penalty.

Only if the player fails to comply with the treatment process, or commits a second violation, is the player liable to a 12 month suspension, a further fine and public disclosure of the reasons for his suspension. A third violation would result in a further longer suspension.

At every stage of the process there will be mandatory specialist assessment and treatment by a consultant-led illicit drug treatment team from Capio Nightingale Hospital, one of the UK’s leading mental health and addiction treatment providers.

PRL Rugby Director Phil Winstanley said: “Our clubs and their players have invested in a world class programme to address the societal issue of illicit drugs. The education, testing and rehabilitation elements will run alongside the comprehensive testing programme operating at Guinness Premiership level and will help us protect both the welfare of our players and the image of the game.”

RPA Chairman David Barnes said: “The Illicit Drugs Policy has been developed with the health and welfare of the players primarily in mind. The RPA recognises the damage that illicit drug use can do, and our members fully support the policy and its aims to educate and protect players from the potential damage of illicit drug use.

“RPA members recognise they are role models for the game and need to set an example. However, the profile of the RPA membership closely matches that of the social group most at risk of exposure to illicit drugs. An effective policy will reduce the risk to players and the sport, and provide a structured support programme for players who do become involved in illicit drugs, helping them to deal with their problems and recover.”

Fiona Begley, Concateno Chief Executive, addred: “Illegal drug use can create tough challenges. Every day our customers have to make tough decisions on drug and alcohol misuse that can profoundly affect people’s lives. Concateno provides an unparalleled breadth of advisory services and testing capabilities with an emphasis on quality and best practice so that our customers can rely on our tests when it matters most.”