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By Rob Wildman
Last updated at 12:56 AM on 31st December 2009
Drug scandal: Harrison left Bath
England’s top rugby players will escape with a fine next year if they are caught taking recreational drugs.
And the names of offenders will only be made public if they fail two drugs tests in 18 months.
Details of the new out-of- competition annual tests for all Guinness Premiership players will be finalised next month but the rugby authorities have decided that the names of first offenders will remain secret.
The tests are being introduced following the scandal at Bath last season which ended in the suspension of four players and the departure of Australian lock Justin Harrison.
The Premiership tests will be carried out in addition to those conducted around internationals and other club competitions under the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Although a player’s first offence will remain confidential, he will have to undergo rehabilitation and is likely to be fined.
Proposals passed by the RFU council say ‘if a player has a second positive test within 18 months, this will be made public and the player would be subjected to disciplinary proceedings, which are likely to lead to a period of suspension.’
Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said the 12 clubs had held drug seminars during the autumn to inform players of the new tests which are set to start in the next few months.
McCafferty said: ‘Given the summer we had then you would hope the message is now very clear. To be fair to the players they have been very co-operative and supportive of the new policy.’
Officials from the RFU, the Premiership and the players’ union are drawing up the details of the new scheme. They have looked at other sports, including the regulations adopted by Australian rules football which allow a player two offences before his name is made public.
It is felt a zero tolerance ruling would be too draconian and that clubs should concentrate on educating players.
A spokesman for the RFU said
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