Drug tests for Cup

RUGBY union players from Fiji

and Western Samoa face drug tests for the first time when tests will be used randomly for those taking part in the World Cup this year. 160 compulsory tests will be made from August 1 until the tournament begins in Britain on October 3. After each match a further two randomly selected players will be tested from each team. If a player tests positive, he will be banned from the

tournament and no replacement will be allowed for the team. Any further disciplinary action would be the respon sibility of the player’s own union.

“Rugby union has not experienced any of the drug-related issues that have affected other sports,” said World Cup organising committe chairman Russ Thomas. “However, we need to safe guard the future of rugby union as a bastion of sportsmanlike behaviour. In short, we intend to make sure rugby stays clean.” The testing programme has been approved by the World Cup’s medical advisory committee. □