Players frustrated over doping claims
Professional rugby union players in England are "frustrated" over recent doping revelations in the sport, the Rugby Players' Association has said.
Sixteen players at amateur and semi-professional level are currently banned by the UK Anti-Doping Agency.
However, the RPA insists rugby union is a clean sport at the elite level.
"I think the professional players - certainly our members - are very keen to show that it is a clean sport," said RPA rugby director Richard Bryan.
"They look after themselves with good nutrition and hard work.
"When stories are published about anti-doping, everyone seems to get tarnished by it. Our members feel very strongly that that is unfair on them - they feel quite strongly that at the top level it's a clean sport."
"If you look at where the issues tend to be, you are looking at the lower levels of the game, and it's not necessarily the game as much as a social problem, the gym culture, and steroid abuse in general," Bryan added.
"That's a much broader issue than just rugby, and a much broader issue than just professional rugby."
Speight included in Australia 7s squad
Henry Speight has been selected to make his sevens debut in Dubai, included in Australian coach’s Scott Bowen’s 12-man squad for the opening round of the 2015-16 season.
Speight will not play Super Rugby in 2016, instead focussing on making Australia’s Olympics team for 2016, where they have already qualified.
Joining Speight as a debutant will be former Waratahs winger Tom Kingston, who will add plenty of pace to Australia’s attack, and Stephan van der Walt.
Bowen said the team was excited to go one better this year.
“Everyone is excited for Dubai. The boys did well at the event 12 months ago and there is no reason to think we can’t perform well this time around.
“The team is looking sharp and the players are fit and raring to go. As a group, we are battle-hardened having played in some high-pressure tournaments. When you add the fact we have three debutants keen to make their mark, then it’s a tournament for all of us – from players, coaches and fans – to look forward to.”
Dan Hayes
