RFU Gets Tough on Doping

The RFU is the latest sporting body to issue a revised plan on Anti-Doping Provisions which will take effect from the start of the new year.

 Recently we have seen a huge push by the sporting bodies to bring their doping procedures in line with the New World Anti-Doping Agency Code. This includes the new rules regarding athlete whereabouts requirements, therapeutic use exemption as well as retirement and return to competition.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), has made amendments to their anti-doping procedures and these changes seem to have been implemented throughout the sporting world, adding to the fact that doping in sport is cheating and will not be tolerated.

The RFU has an appointed full time anti-doping officer in Gavin Dovey to oversee the changes and to make sure that the players know the new procedures. Gavin was appointed ion 2006 and will be responsible for new regulations which come into effects from the 1^st January 2009.

 Dugs like Dianabol and Deca are still on the list of banned substances, but amendments have included other drugs which were unknown of at the time the code was written.