NRL to test for hGH

Thursday 18th March 2010

Above: Terry Newton - the first athlete to return a positive test for hGH

Officials in Australia have paved the way for blood testing for human growth hormone (hGH) in the end-of-season Four Nations series.

An agreement has been struck between the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) and the Rugby League Players' Association to begin blood testing for both hGH and EPO (erythropoietin) in the National Rugby League.

"While neither we nor ASADA have any information to suggest these substances are being used in the NRL, the additional tests will provide an extra level of deterrent," said NRL chief executive David Gallop.

The issue of blood testing in rugby league came to the fore last month when former Great Britain hooker Terry Newton was handed a two-year ban after becoming the first athlete to return a positive test for hGH.

RFL chairman Richard Lewis called for blood testing to be extended to include the Four Nations and this week's landmark agreement is likely to prompt the International Board to follow the lead of the NRL.