Rugby: Fiji looking at testing for cannabis

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) could start random drug-testing before the World Cup after four of its players have this year tested positive for cannabis.

FRU chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua told the Fiji Times the testing regime could be in place before this year's World Cup although an education programme warning players of the pitfalls of drug use was preferable.

Star winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca tested positive for cannabis in March and has been banned for three months in France.

He tested positive after a match between his club side Agen and Montauban on March 24.

His penalty will not prevent him playing in the World Cup, which begins in France on September 8.

The former Blues winger was the top try-scorer in French rugby in 2005 and 2006, and French club player of the year last year.

Other Fijian internationals to test positive for cannabis were sevens representative Sireli Naqelevuki and 15s stars Vilimoni Delasau and Viliame Satala.

"We...will never condone players indulging in such habits," Tavanavanua told the Times.

"One way in which we can try and counter this is (to) have our own testing done here. That is an option we are looking at.

"We need an education programme that will see players being educated about these issues."

- NZPA