The RFU works closely with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and World Rugby in the fight against doping, conducting a comprehensive anti-doping programme, including education, intelligence gathering, testing and results management.

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Anti-doping information is relevant for both elite and grassroots players. The RFU Anti-Doping programme complies with the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Rugby Anti-Doping Regulations which provide further  information on anti-doping. 

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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and UBRFC condemn drug use in sport. It is harmful to the health of players, totally contrary to the spirit of rugby and the RFU is committed to protecting all players' fundamental right to participate in doping-free rugby.

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SUPPLEMENT WARNING – 1, 3-DIMETHYLBUTYLAMINE (DMBA)

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This substance may also be labelled as: Pouchung Tea extract; AMP citrate; 1,3-dimethylbutylamine citrate; 4-amino-2-pentanamine; Pentergy; 4-amino-2-methylpentane citrate; 4-AMP; 2-amino-4-methylpentane; and 4-methyl-2-pentanamine.

Players should be aware that DMBA is a prohibited substance and is banned in-competition (on match day). It could lead to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) following an in-competition drugs test.

Apart from exposing users to anti-doping violations, the use of supplements containing DMBA may also have significant health risks. Although not studied in humans, DMBA is known to have a similar chemical structure to MHA, which has been linked to high blood pressure, headaches, stroke, and was implicated in the death of a marathon runner.

At the time of writing products reported to contain (or have contained) DMBA, include: Red Rum; Frenzy; Oxyfit Xtreme; OxyTHERM Pro; Redline White Heat and MD2 Meltdown. This is unlikely to be an exhaustive list.

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