The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List outlines the classes of substances and methods that are prohibited in sport, including rugby union.

A new list is published by WADA on the 1st January every year and substances and methods can be prohibited if they meet any two (2) out of three (3) criteria:

• Evidence that the substance or method has the potential to enhance, or does enhance performance;
• Evidence that the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete;
• WADA's determination that use of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport

2008 Prohibited List

The 2008 Prohibited List includes the following categories of Prohibited Substances and Methods:

• Anabolic Agents
• Hormones & related substances
• Beta-2 agonists
• Agents with anti-estrongenic activity
• Diuretics and other Masking Agents
• Stimulants
• Narcotics
• Cannaboids
• Glucocorticosteroids (in competition only)
• Beta blockers
• Enhancement of oxygen transfer
• Chemical & physical manipulation
• Gene doping

Please note this list is a guide only and it is the responsibility of each individual player to refer to the full 2008 Prohibited List available below or on the WADA website at www.wada-ama.org.

2008 Summary of Major Modifications

The 2008 list contains very few changes to the 2007 list however it's important all clubs, players and support personnel review the list and re-check the status of all medications to ensure they don't accidently take a banned substance.

Modifications for the 2008 List include:

• Intravenous Infusions will remain prohibited except where deemed necessary in an acute medical setting, however a retroactive standard TUE clearly justifying the rationale for using the prohibited method must now be submitted to the RFU. 
• Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMS) is a new class of substance that has been added because it's shown to have powerful muscle building capabilities and a high potential for use as a doping agent.
• Myostatin Inhibitors is also a new class of substance that has been added because they block myostatin, a naturally occurring protein in the body that regulates muscle growth.

**** Please note that glucorticosteroids used on the skin, eye drops, ear drops, nasal sprays and mouth treatments still do NOT require a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).****

The 2008 Monitoring Program

WADA has established a monitoring program for substances that are not on the Prohibited List but which are monitored closely to detect patterns of misuse in sport. A range of substances have been placed on the 2008 Monitoring Program, namely substances falling into the categories of stimulants and narcotics.

Downloads

  2008 Prohibited List (PDF)

  Changes between 2007 and 2008 Prohibited Lists (PDF)

  2008 Monitoring Program (PDF)

  2009 Prohibited List (PDF) **EFFECTIVE FROM 1ST JANUARY 2009**

  Changes between 2008 and 2009 Prohibited Lists (PDF)

  2009 Monitoring Program (PDF)

  2009 List Questions & Answers (PDF)