Rugby Union officials are to step up the war on performance enhancing substances after criticism of their current anti-drugs programme.

The UK Sports Council attacked the Rugby Football Union for only carrying out around 50 tests a year.

Now the RFU is to extend the drugs war by introducing out of season tests.

The RFU's drugs advisor, Dr Graham Robertson, said: "We are planning to significantly increase the number of tests we do, as well as introducing them out of season.

"We presently do around 50 tests a year and we're happy with the way our international players are treated. We now need to increase tests at colts and club level."

But the Sports Council has accused the RFU and the World Rugby Union of being unhelpful.

Michele Verroken, the Head of the Sports Council's anti-drugs body, said "The RFU and the WRU refuse to send out a clear message condemning drugs.

"Their attitude is unhelpful and in the long term it is the sport that will suffer."

Although there is no evidence that rugby has a widespread problem with players taking performance-enhancing drugs, Ms Verroken stressed that was no reason for complacency.

A confidential phoneline aimed at persuading rugby players and coaches to shop drug cheats in the game is also under consideration by the Sports Council.
 

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