The International Rugby Board has launched a new interactive Anti-Doping website aimed at educating and informing the global Rugby family on Anti-Doping procedure and best-practice.

Available in three languages, the new site can be found at www.irb.com/keeprugbyclean and features all the latest Anti-doping information and news, video and interactive elements as well as testimonies from Keep Rugby Clean ambassadors, including IRB Player of the Year 2007 Bryan Habana and Argentina international Felipe Contepomi. 

The website is in a user-friendly format and provides a valuable resource for athletes, administrators, physicians as well as the general public and also includes information on the IRB's Anti-Doping Regulations.

"The IRB and its Member Unions operate a zero-tolerance policy towards doping cheats in Rugby. This new website is a key component of the IRB's continued educational strategy for all Member Unions, providing users with more information, advice and news than ever before," said IRB Anti-Doping Manager Tim Ricketts.

"A key feature of the new site is the promotion of the IRB's Keep Rugby Clean educational programme. Launched in 2005 Keep Rugby Clean has so far captured over 10,000 of the world's top men's and women's players as they progress their careers to the highest levels of the Game," added Ricketts.

IRB Keep Rugby Clean Ambassador Felipe Contepomi said: "I am proud to be associated with the IRB's Keep Rugby Clean campaign. The ethos of fair play is essential to the spirit of the Game and in ensuring a level playing field for all.

"We have a collective responsibility to educate the next generation of international stars.This new website represents another milestone in the fight against doping and I am sure that it will become a key resource for the global Rugby family."

Extensive testing

The IRB operates extensive global in-competition and out-of-competition testing programmes. During the period from 2004 to 2008 the IRB conducted a total of 5,128 anti-doping controls, including testing of blood samples for the first time at the sport's showcase tournament, Rugby World Cup in 2007. This programme is complimented by extensive testing by the IRB's Member Unions and National Anti-Doping Agencies.

The IRB handed down suspensions to 31 players who committed anti-doping rule violations for a variety of prohibited substances during the same period. These sanctions are in addition to 167 cases determined by Member Unions.