RFU Position Statement on Supplements

Rugby players are strongly advised to be extremely cautious about the use of any supplement because no guarantee can be given by ANYBODY that any particular supplement, including vitamins and minerals, ergogenic aids, and herbal remedies, is totally free from Prohibited Substances.

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, so all players are urged to be extremely careful about which supplements they use.

REMEMBER a player is solely responsible for any prohibited substance found to be present in their body. It is not necessary that intent or fault on the player’s part be shown in order for an anti-doping rule violation to be established, nor is lack of intent or fault a defense to testing positive to a prohibited substance because of a contaminated supplement.

The RFU therefore, recommends that:

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

2. 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.

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

Downloads

  Supplements and the Associated Risks (PDF)

  UK Sport Supplement Summary (PDF)