IRB Drug Regulations

The International Rugby Board accepts International Olympic Committee (IOC) prohibitions, guidelines and procedures for doping control and also its penalties and sanctions in the event of a positive test result. The Board remains the ultimate decision maker on any given case, however. All players may be subject to testing, including out of competition testing and refusal to supply a sample will be taken as an admission of guilt.

Member unions are required to establish a tribunal of at least three persons to deal with drugs investigations, at least one of whom must have full knowledge of IOC policies.

In the event of a positive result, they should strive to maintain confidentiality until all tests are complete, a decision has been made and the player and his union informed.

For a first offence relating to prohibited drugs listed in Parts I and III of the IOC Prohibition, the recommended penalty is two years. For a second offence, the penalty is life.

A decision on any case is the responsibility of the union under whose jurisdiction the offence has occurred.

The union should within a period of 14 days after the tribunal has given its verdict inform the International Rugby Board name of the player involved.