27th March 2007

The RFU continued its campaign to make rugby players better informed about anti-doping with over 500 players attending a 100% ME Outreach Zone set up at last weeks Roslyn Park Sevens Tournament. Outreach is a key component of the RFUs Education Strategy and aims to ensure players receive support and advice from an early age on the importance of drug-free rugby, as Gavin Dovey, RFU Anti-Doping Officer, explained:

"Outreach is about getting out there and talking to as many young rugby players as possible about key anti-doping issues and promoting the right attitude and values towards clean rugby.” The Roslyn Park Sevens is the biggest rugby sevens tournament in the world and Dovey was delighted with the level of interest from players.

“It was great to see such a positive response from players who are the future of our sport. At times we literally had lines of players 2 and 3 deep wanting to get into the Zone and join the activities. It was fantastic!”

UK Sport Education Coordinator Anton de Villiers was on deck to lend a hand and also declared the initiative a success.

“It was very clear that the players wanted to know more and were willing to listen which isn't always the case. Most players really related to the 100% ME brand and having Jonny Wilkinson"s image on all our banners and posters helped a great deal in getting the message through.”

The lure of free merchandise proved too tempting for most with teams of boys and girls testing their knowledge on the WADA quiz for a free 100% ME beanie or water bottle. Visitors to the Zone also had the opportunity to sign a Jonny Wilkinson banner pledging a commitment to drug free rugby as well getting up-to-date information from anti-doping experts.

The RFU will team up with UK Sport again in May with another RFU 100% ME Outreach Zone planned for the Royal and Sun Alliance National 10s at Rugby.

If you’re running a large rugby event and would like the RFU to conduct outreach then contact Gavin Dovey on 020 8831 7441.