AusLeisure

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has commended the National Rugby League (NRL) for adopting its comprehensice new Anti-Doping program.

ASADA Chief Executive Aurora Andruska said that the NRL's anti-doping program was as comprehensive as any in world sport and was tailored to meet both emerging threats in doping, while providing an ongoing deterrent against substances and methods prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Andruska stated "Rugby League already has a comprehensive anti-doping testing program, but the latest program now takes their commitment to a new level in protecting the sport from the threat of doping."

NRL Chief Executive David Smith announced comprehensive new drug testing procedures for the game on Thursday, designed detect a range of performance enhancing substances, including human growth hormones (hGH).

The new regime will also include an athlete biological passport (ABP) for players, regular testing both during the season and off-season and increased peptide testing.

Smith explained "the ABP tests are different from traditional tests as they look at the effects of doping, rather than directly detecting the prohibited substances or methods used.

"This means that even if a substance has left the body, the tests will detect if it was there."

Smith also rejected claims that ASADA was targeting the code, saying that the anti-doping body should be left to operate on its own schedule after criticism that its investigation was taking too long.

Smith stated "ASADA continue to reassure me that they're doing everything they possibly can to get the investigation completed in as timely manner as they possibly can.

"The investigators have got to be allowed to investigate."

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) said in a statement that it backed the NRL's new testing measures and the way it has gone about investigating doping.

RLPA Chief Executive David Garnsey stated "the RLPA is, and has always been, prepared to work with the NRL to confront threats to the integrity of rugby league.

"Players willingly participate in testing programs because they want their sport to be clean and because they are committed to doing the right thing for the game and all of those who support it.

"It is also critical that the fight against doping prioritises education, prevention and respect for the rights of players and is not just focussed on testing and investigation.

"We will continue to work with the NRL in these areas."

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