Rugby Australia set to implement hair-follicle drug tests

Rugby Australia may subject players to mandatory hair follicle testing to pick up traces of illicit drug use.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, RA has been discussing the idea with the Rugby Union Players’ Association (Rupa) since late 2017.

While the idea of keeping a three-month drug record of players is understood to have been discussed at RA for some time, the governing body is keen to introduce the testing this year.

If players test positive they are given a first warning, meaning the club and others are not notified. A second strike results in an automatic suspension.

Kurtley Beale has made headlines for two videos where people near him appeared to be taking white powder. However, the likes of Karmicheal Hunt and James Slipper have both recieved bans for positive drug tests. 

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