Supplements are short-lived
The recent failed doping tests of a pair of school rugby players has cast an ugly pall on a level of rugby which is touted for the pure spirit of competition it possesses. This week the Sunday Times spoke to members from the rugby fraternity in an attempt to discern the reasons governing this problem.
 I don't believe in players taking these supplements which is the main thing that is causing these issues. We don't know what's in them. Players shouldn't look for instant results and take shortcuts. But you can't blame students; they are only following the advice of the coaching staff. Most small schools want to match the size of players in big schools so coaches tell their players to take these substances. - Colin Dinesh (Rugby coach) |
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 There is a lot of money in school rugby so winning is all that matters now. Players are given supplements to become bigger but this is dangerous. In our time in school we were told to eat the proper food to get the right nutrition for the game. Everything you need is in this food. - Sudath Sampath (Rugby coach) |
 This problem has arisen due to a win-at-any-cost attitude that has entered school rugby. School and club coaches are under constant pressure to perform. So they are employing a system which looks to create instant gratification. Instead of encouraging players to put in the hard work and commitment they need to see results quickly rather than over a long period of time. - Bilal Yusuf (Rugby coach) |
 The sport has gone to a different level and with this advancement players have to take supplements. But they should do so under proper guidance. There should be a proper team doctor to enforce proper guidelines and give correct advice. - Dilroy Fernando (Rugby referee) |
 I think this is the first time that schoolboys have been caught taking banned substances and we have been checking continuously throughout the past. But I think it would be better if each school had their own medical personnel to look into these matters. Students should be educated about supplements. The main factor causing this issue is the high level of competition between coaches. Each coach wants to do well and win. The Schools Association should talk to experts and put things on paper regarding supplements and banned substances. Parents too should be vigilant about what their kids are taking and should not just allow them to go to gyms. - Dr. Seevali Jayawickrama (Sports physician the Institute of Sports Medicine) |
 The main reason why players take these substances is because things are so competitive in school rugby. Everybody wants to win and be stronger and faster than the rest. Also in international rugby, players take a lot of supplements so our players too follow this trend. - Gavin Siegertsz (School rugby player) |
 This problem is a result of the win-at-any-cost mentality of school rugby. Recently a parent of an Under 12 player asked me what was the best supplement to give his child. I told him his son was too young for that, he should be normal through a good diet. Supplements are harmful for the body and you can see the effects they have on older players who have used them. They sustain a lot of injuries and have other health problems - Viper Gunaratne (School rugby coach) |