NRL, RLPA locked in negotiations to reduce suspensions for second offences under illict drugs policy

The NRL and Rugby League players union are locked in negotiations to alter the game’s anti-doping policy for repeat offenders.

The RLPA are locked in negotiations to review the NRL’s drug policy, with chief Clint Newton saying players want the bans for second offences reduced. Picture: AAP.

NRL players want their drug ban for a second offence slashed from 12 weeks down to a possible four-game suspension.

The RLPA is locked in negotiations with the NRL about altering the game’s anti-doping policy in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NRL rules state a first positive drug offence for a player carries a suspended fine and counselling and is only shared by the club’s doctor and chief executive.

The NRL imposes a 12-game ban for a second strike and, according to NRL rules, faces “contract termination, a fine and further treatment and monitoring.”

And a third offence will result in “more severe disciplinary action.”

RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said players want the ban for a second offence significantly reduced.

The RLPA are locked in negotiations to review the NRL’s drug policy, with chief Clint Newton saying players want the bans for second offences reduced. Picture: AAP.

While Newton would not reveal an exact suspension length, stakeholders close to the RLPA are pushing for a suspension aligned with drug penalties imposed by WADA – four games.

Newton believes rehabilitation would benefit the player more rather than a massive, and possible career-ending, suspension.

“We would certainly support and are advocating for that (12-match suspension) to be significantly reduced,” Newton said. “It (the reduced ban) is up for negotiation but I certainly think it would have to be slashed.

“We shouldn’t be looking to ‘out’ people that then puts them in a position of significant shame and only piles on more issues when genuinely people can make mistakes. There are many reasons why people may stray and we need to properly understand that to be able to make sure we can support people through it.

“What we don’t want to see is players rubbed out for periods of time when we know people make mistakes. The soul of the sport has working class roots. We have to take care of our people and the illicit drug policy should be fundamentally the same – taking care of our people.

“The players agree with a rationale about why a policy is important but this is over and above WADA’s own policy and the players believe the NRL should be better aligned with us on the philosophy that underpins it. The world body (ban) is currently around four weeks.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said while they are reviewing the drugs policy, it is too early to know exactly what changes will be implemented. Picture: Jonathan Ng.

“We’re hoping that the NRL can align with the philosophy of the policy because if we’re not aligned then that will be problematic because we will be coming at it through very different lenses.

“The current model is not fit-for-purpose given the damage it can cause the individual and the game. The WADA code is taking a different approach when dealing with these kinds of matters.

“This is all part of negotiations we are currently working through with the NRL but our view is the policy should adopt a genuine educational, medical and rehabilitative model, rather than the current punitive model.

“We need to fully explore all the options that protect the player and protect the game. The game has an obligation to look after its people and we certainly think a new and fit-for-purpose policy is required.”

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo added: “We are reviewing the policy but what it will look like is too early to know. But we hope to have a finalised and updated policy on illicit drugs before the end of this calendar year.”

Under the current CBA, NRL players cannot be tested for drugs during the off-season and on days off.

The NRL’s anti-doping policy: “The onus is on you as a player to not breach the anti-doping rules. Ignorance is not a defence.”

RLPA and NRL management are working to finalise the CBA in coming weeks.

Originally published as NRL, RLPA locked in negotiations to reduce suspensions for second offences under illict drugs policy