Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
INTERNATIONAL Rugby Board vice-president Oregan Hoskins and IRB anti-doping manager for testing and education Illaria Baudo met the Ministry of Sport in a bid to try and work out ways that would help Zimbabwe understand the effects of doping in rugby.

The duo were in the country for the annual Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival at Prince Edward School and were concerned about the doping scandal that hit Zimbabwe rugby in 2012 in the United States.

Two years ago, three Zimbabwe players were found of the wrong side of the law in Salt Lake City, United States during the Junior World Rugby Trophy and these were Shane Joubert, Simba Chirara and Dylan Coetzee.

Baudo said they were looking at translating the IRB anti-doping handbook into local vernacular  languages.

“Education is a key component in the fight against doping. Keep Rugby Clean day is an excellent opportunity to inform young players of the pitfalls associated with doping.

“Unfortunately when it comes to anti-doping, Zimbabwe has been forced to learn from negative experiences in the past, but I’m really impressed with the work the Union has done recently to educate players across all levels.

“The effort the ZRU has put in, even translating the IRB anti-doping handbook in two of the local languages, Shona and Ndebele, sets a fine example that many other Unions can follow,” said Baudo.

Hoskins added that as the IRB they also had to meeting with the Ministry of Sport was to try and work out the best ways of educating the players, coaches and all stakeholders on the effects of doping.

“The issue of anti-doping enjoyed top priority on this visit culminating in a meeting with the Ministry of Sport. IRB anti-doping should be commended for their message of zero tolerance towards doping. It is balanced against Rugby’s desire to be proactive in spreading health and wellness.

“It’s important that the IRB gets the opportunity to inform all Unions about the hazards of using drugs in sport-not just for players but also for administrators.

“The sessions here in Harare are extremely valuable to the Zimbabwe Union and I expect they will benefit in the long term.

“Recent cases in Zimbabwe have highlighted the inherent dangers of steroid abuse and the need for players, especially age-grade players, to educate themselves of the risks involved in taking prohibited substances” said Hoskins who is also the South Africa Rugby Union president.

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