Anti-Doping & Clean Rugby
We are committed to protecting player health, preserving the integrity of competition and building a rugby culture based on responsibility, knowledge and fair play.
2027 Prohibited List of Substances and Methods
The new World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List comes into force on 1 January 2027. Players and all technical and medical personnel should review the changes before the season begins.
Check Before You Use
Three simple actions can protect your sporting career.
Check Your Medication
Check every medication before use and always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are an athlete subject to doping control. If the result is unclear, contact UAE NADA before use.
Check MedicationsApply for a TUE
If treatment contains a prohibited substance and no suitable alternative exists, you may need a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
National TUE PlatformComplete Your Education
Build your anti-doping knowledge through WADA’s recognised online education programmes.
Access ADELYou are responsible for everything that enters your body.
A player is personally responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample, even when it was used accidentally or on someone else’s advice. Not knowing the rules is not a defence.
Knowledge Is Your First Defence
Practical information for players, coaches, managers and medical personnel.
Medications
Cold, allergy, pain and other medicines may contain prohibited substances. Check the product and ingredients before use.
Supplements
No supplement is 100% risk-free. Products may be contaminated during manufacture or contain ingredients not shown on the label.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions
A TUE may permit use of a prohibited substance or method to treat a documented medical condition under strict criteria.
Testing Procedures
Any player may be tested. Cooperate with the Doping Control Officer while understanding your rights throughout the process.
Violations & Sanctions
Violations are not limited to a positive test; refusal, evasion, possession, tampering or assisting a violation may also be sanctioned.
Speak Up
If you have concerns about possible doping, use official and confidential reporting channels to protect the game.
The Doping Control Journey
Notification
An authorised officer notifies you that you have been selected and verifies your identity.
Reporting
You report to the doping control station without undue delay and may have a representative with you.
Sample Collection
You select the collection equipment and retain control of your sample under the official procedure.
Sealing & Documentation
The sample is sealed, medications and supplements are declared, and you review the form before signing.
Know the Answer Before You Play
01 Can I refuse a doping control test?
02 Is a product labelled “safe for athletes” guaranteed?
03 What if my doctor prescribes a prohibited medication?
04 Where should I obtain reliable information?
Trusted Resources
World Rugby — Keep Rugby Clean
Rugby-specific anti-doping education, rules and guidance.
VISIT WEBSITEUAE NADA
The national anti-doping authority in the United Arab Emirates.
VISIT WEBSITEWADA ADEL
Online education for athletes and athlete support personnel.
VISIT WEBSITEGlobal DRO
A supporting medication-checking tool. For medicines purchased in the UAE, or when a result is unclear, contact UAE NADA before use.
VISIT WEBSITECheck First. Do Not Risk Your Career.
If you are unsure about a medicine, treatment or supplement, contact the medical team or anti-doping contact before using it.
This page is for general education. The latest official rules and documents issued by WADA, World Rugby and UAE NADA always apply.
