Namibia's players support the IRB Keep Rugby Clean programme at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 - Photo: Frankie Deges

Figures released by the International Rugby Board today show that the number of drugs tests conducted in Rugby by the Game's governing body reached record levels in 2009.

A programme comprising 1293 tests (360 In Competition and 933 Out of Competition controls) was undertaken throughout the year across men's and women's fifteens and Rugby Sevens competitions.

The extensive In Competition and Out of Competition testing programme operated across Rugby Sevens (604 tests), Rugby World Cup 2011 Qualifiers (415 tests), Age Grade Rugby (176 tests) and other IRB 15-a-side-tournaments (86) including the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup and IRB Nations Cup.

Despite the record programme, IRB Anti-Doping rule violations fell from 13 in 2008 to 4 in 2009. That amounts to 0.3 percent of the total testing regime. Two violations were for Cannabis, one was for the attempted use of a prohibited substance and one for an Anabolic Agent.

Commended by WADA for its extensive In Competition and Out of Competition testing programmes and educational campaign, the IRB has handed down suspensions to 36 players (one case pending) who committed Anti-Doping Rule Violations during the period 2004 to 2009. These sanctions are in addition to the 230 players who committed Anti-Doping Rule Violations under the jurisdiction of the IRB's 117 Member Unions during the same period.

Commenting on the figures, Tim Ricketts, IRB Anti-Doping Manager, said: "The IRB and its Member Unions operate a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs cheats in Rugby and this record testing programme, combined with over 4000 controls administered by our Member Unions and their National Anti-Doping Agencies, underscores our collaborative commitment in this critical area of the Game."

"While Rugby has been at the forefront in the fight against doping in Sport, it is important that we continue to develop policies that put the player first and ensure that our players have access to the best educational framework in the area of Anti-Doping."

Enhanced education initiatives, which includes the delivery of the Keep Rugby Clean awareness programme, are delivered to over 500 players annually at IRB tournaments. The IRB also launched a new interactive Anti-Doping website in 2009 aimed at educating and informing the global Rugby family on all aspects of Anti-Doping.

Available in three languages (English, French and Spanish), the new site can be found at www.irbkeeprugbyclean.com and features all the latest Anti-Doping information and news, video and interactive elements as well as information on the IRB's Keep Rugby Clean ambassadors, including IRB Player of the Year 2007 Bryan Habana.

Looking forward to upcoming programmes, Ricketts commented: "The next 12 months will see major steps being made in the fight for drug-free Rugby as we roll out the expansion of our educational portfolio, including information on illicit drugs, and continue to work closely with our Unions on optimising awareness."