Doping In Rugby

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to convey the use and abuse of drugs in sports, mainly in Rugby and to discuss the effects and ethics behind it all.

The history of drugs and drug control in sports is discouraging; with ill-informed rules being enforced, cheating and ignorance, the hope of it ending does not look bright. Performance enhancing drugs in Rugby is no secret. Many players have been named and shamed in using them over the years and has brought the spotlight over how crooked the sporting life really is. For example, Jamie Durbin, who received a two year ban from the sport after he tested positive for steroids. (Mirror, 2006)

It is well known that, Athletes face enormous pressure to excel in competition. Especially, in

The health and ethical concerns attached to using drugs such as anabolic steroids are perhaps not worth the risks.

The usage of drugs in sport is called “Doping”. It is when an athlete takes an illegal or unprescribed drug to give themselves an unfair advantage. Doping has now become a problem in sporting events worldwide, particularly in Rugby. It was expected that, with increased drug testing, medical treatment and improved education that this substance-abusing behaviour would fall dramatically. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. (Smith,

The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence and wasting of the body caused by HIV infection or other diseases.

(Steroidal.com, 2015)

3. Tesosterone

3.1 Mode of Action:

Some athletes take straight testosterone to boost their performance. Frequently, the anabolic steroids that athletes use are synthetic modifications of testosterone. These hormones have approved medical uses, though improving athletic performance is not one of them. They can be taken as pills, injections or topical treatments. Many men use Testosterone to increase muscle mass, sex drive and their energy levels.

Testosterone is made up of Oxygen, Hydrogen and Carbon, which contains both the Hydroxyl and Carbonyl function groups.

3.2 Adverse Effects of Testosterone:

Excessive use of Testosterone can lead to one or more of the following side effects:

• Blemished Skin or Acne

• Disrupted Menstrual Periods

• Excessive Hair Growth

• Male Pattern