Kenya rugby cleared of doping allegations

Shujaa

World Rugby has strongly denounced a report released by Kenya Anti-Doping Taskforce Report in 2014 accusing the Kenyan Rugby Union of systematic doping practices within its national teams.

In April 2014, the Prof Moni Wekesa led team issued a report claiming that coaches involved in the senior national team 15s and Sevens programmes gave the players a "concoction" containing illegal steroids.

"In rugby, at the national team level and at two of the clubs there appears to be systematic doping of players through the use of food supplements laced with steroids," alleged the Taskforce Report.

But in a comprehensive investigation undertaken by independent World Rugby Anti-Doping Advisory Committee member Gregor Nicholson, the global body has found out there was no evidence to support the allegations.

"The investigation involved re-analysis of the supplements which were claimed to contain steroids, at a WADA accredited laboratory, and interviews with current and former Kenya Rugby Union coaches, read a statement issued on the World Rugby's website.

"Specifically, the World Rugby investigation: Confirmed use of nutritional supplements by the Kenya Rugby Union. Found no evidence to suggest that the supplements used by the Kenya Rugby Union contained any banned substance.

"Found no evidence of an anti-doping rule violation having been committed by the Kenya Rugby Union or members of the national team coaching staff.

"Found that supplements were not introduced to the players by Paul Treu, contrary to the allegations within the report.

"Noted that the Kenya men's sevens and 15s squads were routinely tested in and out of competition at World Rugby events, with no adverse analytical findings."

According to the World Rugby, the outcomes of the investigation clearing Kenya of doping allegations have been shared with WADA.

"While the investigation did not identify evidence that an anti-doping rule violation may have been committed, World Rugby continues to work with the Kenya Rugby Football Union to implement robust supplement education to all players and coaching staff via its Keep Rugby Clean programme," read the statement.

"Kenyan players will also be tested extensively as part of the World Rugby anti-doping programme and in particular its pre-Olympic testing programme for participating unions and players."

The Kenya Sevens rugby team is currently in Canada ahead of this weekend's sixth leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver.

Shujaa have been drawn in Pool A alongside defending champions and series leaders Fiji, Portugal and Samoa.

Fixtures

Saturday

Kenya v Portugal – 9.36pm

Sunday

Kenya v Samoa – 1.12am

Kenya v Fiji – 5.00am