All Blacks silent on team plans for drug-cheat punishment

MELBOURNE - All Black managers will accept International Rugby Board penalties for any player found guilty of a doping offence at the World Cup.

But they will not say if any further punishment would be imposed within the squad.

The IRB has directed tournament officials to add designer steroid tetrahydrogestrine (THG) to their list of banned substances.

It is still considering whether more than 200 samples already taken can also be tested retrospectively.

Most coaches and team spokesmen have backed expanding the testing process to include the targeting of THG.

But All Black coach John Mitchell, asked for his views after Friday's win over Tonga, pleaded ignorance, saying he wanted to do some "homework" on THG before commenting on the issue.

England coach Clive Woodward said he had a "zero tolerance" attitude towards drug cheats, and suggested any player found guilty would get no leniency from English rugby.

All Black manager Tony Thorpe said the same attitude existed in their camp.

But he would not reveal what sort of punishment any All Black would face over and above the IRB's penalties.

"I can't say, it's an internal thing," Thorpe said.

"We run by pretty strict protocol within the team and that falls within that realm."

IRB penalties follow the model of the World Anti-Doping Agency, which enforces a minimum two-year suspension for any player found guilty of a doping infringement.

Thorpe was confident the All Blacks were drug-free so such a situation would not arise.

"I don't think we've got anything to worry about by any means."

Up to 12 All Blacks have been randomly tested at the tournament.

Six were tested on arrival, and two players from each team are drawn to provide a urine sample after every game. Captain Reuben Thorne was one of those chosen after the test against Tonga.

Undetectable until recently, THG is a powerful steroid that aids recovery and boosts strength.

Methods of testing for THG have been passed on to major sporting organisations in a bid to ensure the substance can be picked up in athletes as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks' media relations - heavily criticised earlier in the tournament - were questioned again yesterday by a member of the international press, prompting Thorpe to defend the team.

The journalist described New Zealand's media relations as being "restrictive" compared with other teams.

Thorpe said the team were complying with IRB regulations relating to media duties.

He said it was a difficult balancing act because they had to be wary of giving out information that could help opposing teams.

"We're here on a mission. The aim is to win the rugby World Cup and for this short-term period, with no disrespect to [media] or the nation at home, we're trying to get on with the business and do that in a professional manner," Thorpe said.

"We're very aware of what relationship we need to have with the media and what role the media and ourselves play for each other.

"At the end of the day we have to make sure that balance is fair and reasonable. We believe that we're giving those opportunities where and when required."

- NZPA