New Zealand World Cup rugby players investigated for possible drug use

The New Zealand Rugby League is investigating whether players misused prescription drugs during the World Cup campaign.

Fairfax Media can reveal the NZRL is reviewing the unsuccessful defence of the World Cup, which culminated in a 34-2 defeat to Australia.

NZRL chief executive Phil Holden said the first step in its review was determining players' access to prescription drugs, after concerns were raised by support staff about the Kiwis' "recovery practices" during the tournament. Under the microscope is whether players combined prescription sleeping pills with energy drinks.

Past media reports have suggested a number of league players in Australia have used such a combination, which is believed to have the same effect as recreational drugs without breaching the World Anti-Doping Code.
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Holden said the NZRL probe would investigate whether the Kiwis' performance in the World Cup final was in any way inhibited by players' use of prescription drugs.

veya_victaous wrote:
Yeah NZ rugby actually fields a team in our regular comp.