Sports scientist highlights issue rugby is facing with drugs in wake of Dyantyi case
The rugby world – and particularly South African rugby – has been rocked in recent weeks by Aphiwe Dyantyi’s failed drugs test. The Springboks winger’s A and B samples tested positive for multiple anabolic steroids and he now faces a potential four-year ban.
This is not the first failed drugs test for a South African player in recent months, but it is undoubtedly the most high-profile, as Dyantyi was named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year in 2018.
Respected sports scientist Ross Tucker has now given his thoughts on this topic on Twitter, with a lengthy thread explaining that doping is not necessarily a problem in South African rugby, but in society.
Tucker, who is a science and research consultant for World Rugby, acknowledged that some players take banned substances inadvertently, but he added that “we should ask whether SA has a cultural/societal doping issue? The answer is clearly yes. Go to a gym and try (not even hard) to get steroids”.
He explained that doping is a problem not only throughout South Africa but also the world, so it will inevitably leak into sport and rugby is not the only one that is facing this problem.
(Continue reading below…)
The Science of Sport writer went on to describe the limitations of the current testing system, saying that it is largely ineffective. “Investigation and probing for whistleblowers is far better, with testing to confirm (sometimes).”
He shared the stat that 2.6 per cent of tests over the past two years have been violations in South Africa, but said that it is necessary to see these stats from around the world in order to gauge the severity of the problem.
The main fault seems to be how hard it would be to test every person in South African rugby, and even harder to test them multiple times. Tucker expanded on why this is so hard by giving an estimate of how many players would need to be tested.
“Does South African sport have a doping problem?”. Alright, let me try…
Firstly, we can’t divorce sport from society. So really, we should ask whether SA has a cultural/societal doping issue? The answer is clearly yes. Go to a gym and try (not even hard) to get steroids. (1/)
— Ross Tucker (@Scienceofsport) September 17, 2019
He said: “If you take 391 tests in 2017/18 as an example, imagine that’s got to cover six franchises in SA (250 players?), plus each has academies (300 more?), plus provincial teams (another 300?) plus schoolboys, you’re spreading 391 tests over what? 1,200 players? 1 in 4 per year.”
There does not seem to be the resources to consistently monitor team sports, which suggests that doping may be much more widespread as there will inevitably be players that are not tested at all. Given how dispersed rugby is between national and club set-ups, it only makes the matter of testing and tracking players harder.
One solution that Tucker put forward is a passport for body composition, which he says will be able to “track over time, muscle mass and body fat levels, and search for unusual patterns”.
Springboks assistant Matt Proudfoot gets put on the spot regarding Aphiwe Dyantyi's positive drugs test https://t.co/hf1Py0azOo
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 17, 2019
Similar things are being used in sports such as cycling, which allows sustained and regular biological measurements of a competitor.
Another suggestion is to set limits to mass and muscle mass percentages, which would inevitably deter players from taking steroids, while also having further welfare benefits.
Ultimately, it was stressed on Twitter that information has to be released from around the world to get an insight into how South Africa compares. Steroid use is prevalent in society and while the testing system allows players to get away with it, it will still be a problem in rugby.
WATCH: England’s Neil Back features in the opening episode of the new RugbyPass series, Rugby World Cup Memories
Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
1 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to comments