Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

NRL steps up its drug testing program

Updated at 3:42 pm on 18 March 2010

The National Rugby League has confirmed reports that it has reached an agreement with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to enter into additional testing for Human Growth Hormone , and the red blood cell boosters EPO and CERA.

The decision follows extensive discussions between the NRL, the Players' Association, the authority and medical experts over recent months.

Rugby league is considered to be a leader in Australian sport for drug testing and the NRL believes the latest agreement will only strengthen its testing program.

The game's governing body and the authority have also endorsed the eight-year storage of blood and urine samples the authority may wish to retain for future investigation.

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