IRFU prepared to ban schools using creatine

The Irish Rugby Football Union yesterday confirmed its ever toughening stance on the use of the legal nutritional supplement, creatine.

Answering questions from a joint committee for Tourism and Sport yesterday, IRFU secretary Phillip Browne and committee member Don Crowley reaffirmed the union's objection to the use of performance enhancing aids and said that under certain circumstances schools could be banned by the IRFU if it was shown that they actively endorsed such products.

Answering a question from Deputy Bernard Allen on the issue of sanctions against schools, Crowley answered: "Yes, we would slap a ban on a school which is encouraging young people to take this stuff. We found it has been used in certain schools and it has been suggested by some coaches that it is good for body building. We advised that it should not be provided. We can only insist but we cannot enforce anything.

"We are appalled by people in responsible positions who encourage young people to use this stuff. We must ban it. Legally we must find a way but we believe it should be done.

"Fads come and go. Creatine is a fad at the moment. Our policy is not to supply the product for our National team. If they insist on using it, we at least ensure they have medical advice."

While there is no scientific evidence available to indicate that creatine is an unhealthy product or has any adverse side affects other than weight gain, the IRFU stated that it principally object to the culture of young players taking drugs, legal or otherwise, which it believes will improve performance on the field.

Its argument is made more difficult due to the fact that international rugby players, Premiership soccer players and top-class athletes all openly endorse creatine, which they believe gives them a legal edge in their sports. It is particularly useful to small or light players who need to `bulk up' to compensate for their lack of height or strength.

Dr Joe Commiskey, medical officer to the Olympic Council of Ireland, who also attended the meeting, stated that he believes the product will be banned in time. The long and short-term effects of substances such as creatine are currently being studied by the International Olympic Committee.

"In my opinion creatine will be eventually banned. It is about 10 per cent as effective as anabolic steroids in terms of muscle growth," said Dr Commiskey.

Given the press attention the IRFU received following adverse findings against three of its players, it also explained to the State committee that it will be increasing the frequency of tests for banned substances this season. This will also include the testing of players in the All-Ireland League (AIL), which begins early next month.

In 1997-98, tests were carried out on 16 senior internationals, four `A' internationals, four Irish under-21s and four interprovincial-level players.

This season, 22 tests have, so far, been conducted at various levels. In total the IRFU projects that this season it will conduct 64 tests in competition and 70 out of competition.

The British Sports Council has being conducting tests on behalf of the rugby body as an Irish drugs testing programme has not yet been implemented.