Doping isn’t just about lifting heavier weights. And the fitness related ones are often harder to catch.
I don’t think doping is rife in rugby but given its presence in nearly every other sport (that wants to clamp down on it), I’d be surprised if some high profile players hadn’t used at some point in their career. Most likely before turning pro or while injured.
Not picking on you Venjur, but in general I think people are a little too hopeful as to the effectiveness of testing. People in Ireland are horrified at suggestion rugby players dope. Basically the same response given by every other sport before some huge scandal.
Mod: Throwing around loose, unsubstantiated accusations like this any more will result in a ban.
I'm extremely convinced that they are not. I've seen very detailed information on player development and S&C from underage up to what some of the current international senior players are doing and whilst impressive I've seen it replicated by 100% clean amateurs doing their own thing in the gym.
Pre academy forwards aren't lifting anything too dramatic. Nothing more or less anyone couldn't replicate or get close to replicating within 6 - 8 months of disciplined training.
Probably the biggest improvement I've seen in player conditioning in Ireland is in athletic ability / cardio. This is by far the fittest Irish team we've ever had - and it's not what they're lifting in the gym.
If this was provided by the Welsh federation - my guess is that they've fucked up and not cleared medication properly. I'm going to be very surprised if this was sanctioned doping. I'm going to be surprised if it's the player themselves doping.
They are all on it.
Elton Jantjies got caught today as well.
Homer voice:
"Mmmmmmm. Hormone de crossaint"
Supplied by the WRU?! You'd have to think he could have a case against them if he gets banned.
Webb could be in a lot of trouble here
Its probably a lot to do with plenty of England fans going to France for games in September / October too to be fair. Thats a lot of people's rugby budget, and time away from the family, accounted for.
Why would anyone want to pay to watch England at the moment tbf.
Yep, England aren't a big draw these days.
Owen Farrell will miss England’s first two games at the start of the Rugby World Cup. An independent disciplinary committee suspended the England captain on Tuesday night for four matches after World Rugby’s appeal was upheld, the English Rugby Football Union has announced. Farrell will miss the World Cup games against Argentina and Japan.
Glad to see this decision although four matches is light given his history so he should count himself very very lucky. It was an utter farce that he escaped a ban in the first place.
The New Zealand South Africa game sucked in all the big rugby fans.
did that tour about 17 years ago and thought it was pretty good, i do remember being confused about how much the tour guide knew about rugby apart from the spiel he was giving since he saw my munster jersey and asked 'youre not welsh are you?'
They'll be letting soccer in there soon if those numbers keep up
Suppose it's not a 'marquee game'
Talking of Twickenham.
This is rather worrying for the RFU.
Yeah it's the list of names of players who sat in that corner
Maybe names only go up when they retire, not sure
I’d guess it’s a list on the dressing room pegs of the players who’ve worn that jersey! (15 in that case?)
What's the list of names with Jason Robinson and the Octopus?
Done the Twickenham Stadium & World Rugby musuem tour last week even though i did enjoy the stadium tour part it was a little lacklustre and not much banter (not even a mention of me in Irish gear). Englands dressing room is top notch (the away dressing room is supposedly identical). The lineout statue is a lot bigger than i thought, very impressive stadium as is the players entrance gate and the fancy VIP and VVIP rooms.
Those English love to remind everyone of their achievements, lets hope we'll have our own Mueusm someday with many cups
I can't get over just how poor England were.
It's what they all deserve for stabbing their coach in the back the way they did (particularly Australia).
But for the moment, also quite hilarious.
At the best of times, this would be hilarious. But those are three Unions that are in trouble and this could be the seams coming apart. It's quite concerning.
Think you get it free if you buy the Sky/TNT combined package
Is that a subscription channel? I've been gifted a Sky Sports trial and noticed I have Premier Sports too but thought it was always a separate subscription.
Pretty annoying that they don't have a half time panel on the games though.
Wales self-imploding. Two minutes of madness
Come Joy FFS make up your mind
Appalling defense from Wales.
Premier sports in Ireland
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