Testing

• What level of rugby do I have to be playing to be subject to drug testing?

Under the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) Anti-Doping Regulations, any rugby player at any level in England can be drug tested anytime, anywhere.

• Can I be drug tested if I am a player under 18 years of age?

Drug testing may only be conducted on a Minor where prior written consent has been given to the RFU by a person with legal responsibility for that Minor.

• What is In-Competition drug testing?

Drug testing that takes place after a player's participation or scheduled participation in a rugby match.

• What is Out-Of-Competition drug testing?

Any testing that takes place at a time which is NOT directly after a player's participation in a rugby match. Typically this will be testing at club training sessions or at a rugby players place of residence.

• What is the National Registered Testing Pool?

The RFU's National Registered Testing Pool (RTP) is the pool of players playing rugby in England who are subject to both In-Competition and Out-Of-Competition testing on a regular basis.

• What players are in the RFU's National RTP?

Players competing at Guinness Premiership level down to players competing in National League 3 North and 3 South. These players have certain responsibilities such as been aware of the Prohibited List and submitting Therapeutic Use Exemptions to the RFU.   

• What is the iRB International Registered Testing Pool?

This is a pool of players made up of the top International level players around the world. There are currently 50 England Senior and Sevens Players in the iRB International Registered Testing Pool and these players are subject to both In-Competition and Out-Of-Competition testing by the iRB. These players also have special responsibilities as elite level athletes, including providing whereabouts information to the iRB detailing where they live and train.

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)

• Do rugby players at all levels of the game need to submit TUEs?

No, only those rugby players who play rugby for England (including U16s up to the Senior Squad) or who are in the RFU's National Registered Testing Pool are required to submit a TUE if they need to take a prohibited substance for a medical purpose.

• Who do players submit a TUE to?

All TUE applications should be sent to the RFU Anti-Doping Officer, Gavin Dovey via post at Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS or via fax at 0870 143 2423.

• How long does an abbreviated TUE for asthma last?

Abbreviated TUEs for inhaled beta-2-agonists to treat asthma will commonly be approved for either 2 years or 2 years and 6 months to the nearest mid or end year point (i.e. 30th June or 31st December).