Laporte doubts England drug tests

France coach Bernard Laporte has questioned whether rugby union in England is drug-free.

"There is regular monitoring in France. The player cannot dope himself - well, he can, but he will be caught.

"But what is happening in New Zealand or in England? You cannot be sure of anything," said Laporte.

"The only certainty is there are dope tests at international matches. But they are only on urine and you have to go further than that."

However, International Rugby Board vice-chairman and ex-England captain Bill Beaumont played dismissed Laporte's comments.

Beaumont told BBC Radio Four's Today programme: "I do know that the RFU (Rugby Football Union) are one of the few unions that have their own official doping officer and he works full-time for the RFU.

"The RFU - and rugby in general - takes drug-testing extremely seriously.

"Certainly from the RFU's point of view, I think they act in a very diligent manner regarding testing.

"I'm surprised and disappointed (by Laporte's comments)... Whether it was taken out of context, I don't know."

Source: BBC Sport