Didn't rugby players in France get caught taking steroids ? They were from new Zealand ? Playing there ?
All these cyclists were taking drugs for stuff but the real reason was for strength and endurance.
If the whole Russian Olympic team got banned does anybody think in professional sports there isn't the know how for dopers to stay one step ahead of testers.

I would say how you can create a human being who weighs more than 120kgs [18st 12lb] with no body fat, only muscles without the use of something?
The lack of testing certainly helps to explain why the numbers of failed tests at the top of the game are still relatively low, despite the recent bans and suspension for the Wasps forward Ashley Johnson. UK Anti-Doping (Ukad), the RFU, World Rugby, the Six Nations and European Professional Club Rugby, 623 anti-doping tests were carried out on players from England’s top two divisions last season. In the 132 matches of last season’s Premiership, there were 16 tests.

There are tests and there are tests and the whole system knows it.
How were the two new Zealanders picked up in the French system for steroid use but then miraculously doctors certificates were produced ? The testers should have been made aware of drug use Before the sample was tested with the medical justification.
It's not get caught then produce an excuse it's supply all information to the authorities beforehand.
It's obvious they play a game with the testing bodies and everybody is aware of it and they try to avoid detection - the issue is in fact player health because ok they drug up to boost performance and win for a few years end result on their Health is unknown but shortened lifespan is probably assured. Are they consciously making that choice?

I have a friend who use to be a french rugby player and he said that there is a lot of drugs used in the french clubs regardless of how big they are because there is a pressure of bulking up and being picked if you are not bulked up then chances are you are not going to be picked regardless of your talent. And they are hosting next world cup after Japan. The problem is most turn a blind eye because they want their club to be the best and players the best. I think drugs are in every sport now and used as a quick fix to bulk up its a shame really as you could have a super player and they are not picked because they are too thin or not enough muscle and the fact is rugby is a psychical game so they kind of choose players who are hard hitters.

A good regular testing regimen is what's needed with heavy penalties.
If it's worth the risk players will chance it, it has to be not worth the risk.

I blame the fact that people are making money from the games and players and its all about money not the well being of players.

A recent development in professional rugby has been players slimming down - a little. NZ has been going for more mobile forwards rather than the behemoths of the recent past. Even here Cian Healy has become even better than he was before since losing a stone or two.

Do we really believe the ones that slim down are not on drugs?

You don't need drugs, to slim down and change of diet can do it.

I am sure some of the slim players are using drugs also not just the beefed up ones.

Brian odriscoll admits to taking difene like Smarties and that the doctor went up and down the bus giving out painkillers
I'm sure it's not the only sport either.

OTC painkillers was it not?

He was lucky the Difene didn't rip the stomach out of him.

Solpadeine.

wonder what else they are taking they are like the cyclist who take all sorts to pump muscle and energy maybe they swap blood as well. seemly the cyclists on drugs give each other blood transfusions so they would not find any drugs in their system. Wonder is this happens in rugby?

Not saying it isn’t happening but at least they get a relatively large amount of rest time compared to cycling where they have to be racing hours after finishing the last stage. But would I put money on them not using everything for gainz and weight control?

It's laughable that so called " amateur " sports in professional set ups pretend the players don't get benefits in kind from playing !
The gaa is professional at soaking up every source of funding it can plug into.
If you think there aren't perks from playing any sport at every level and the pressures players must come under.