Caffeine use 'troubling'

The World Anti-Doping Agency will consider re-introducing a ban on caffeine after an Australian-led uptake in the drug's use by athletes.

The agency's director-general, David Howman, said news that Australian athletes were using the drug to enhance performance during matches was "troubling".

Australian rugby captain George Gregan said he understood athletes could get 7 per cent extra work output by taking tablets of caffeine, which was taken off the agency's banned list 18 months ago.