Is this the latest New Zealand Drugging problem?

The following from a recent report on the issue:-

"

New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is investigating recovery practices during the recent World Cup, when it's understood Kiwis players consumed a cocktail of energy drinks and sleeping pills.

While the pre-game drink/post-game pill combination isn't illegal, NZRL boss Phil Holden has grave concerns about player welfare.

He says the issue of players misusing or abusing prescription drugs was first brought to his attention by the Kiwis' support staff during the Rugby League World Cup.

"They had concerns around the recovery practices of some of the players and the use of prescription medication," he says.

Following the Kiwis' 34-2 cup final defeat to the Kangaroos, Holden has been in de-brief mode, assessing what could have been done better, and he says the use of prescription medicine combined with energy drinks is not just a rugby league problem.

"I'm very keen to take a leadership position, and I've flagged to Sport NZ in particular to host a think-tank with other sports CEOs to see what they know and what we can do collectively," he says."

If this is prevalent in Rugby League in New Zealand it is quite likely also a problem in Rugby Union.   After all Holden said  "the use of prescription medicine combined with energy drinks is not just a rugby league problem." 

This looks like it is a new recovery method by NZ players - but it could be a player welfare problem - since usage of prescription drugs is not only addictive - it is also detrimental to the health of players.   Let me be more explicit - it may cover up some nagging minor injuries - that can become major problems in subsequent matches. 

Wonder what he situation is in the All Blacks arena?

Poi-e

No rule broken - but it remains unethical because of the potential longer term negative impact on the health of players.   It could as stated above also guard against niggles that turn into more serious injuries.  

I do not think this type of conduct is allowed in SA, but am aware that on long plane trips players do get sleeping tablets to get over the trip by sleeping - especially if the flight is from east to west.

I doubt whether  SA doctors of repute will issue prescriptions for drugs to be used by sportsmen in any event.

"I doubt whether  SA doctors of repute will issue prescriptions for drugs to be used by sportsmen in any event"

I doubt you would even know or admit it if some dodgy quack were prescribing drugs to elite SA'n athletes. But if "repute" is the all important qualifier, I could just as easily make the same claim about ANY doctor. 

Anyways, isnt this the exact same thing that happened to the White Rhino? Except they were also giving him stimulants under the guise of "weight suppressants"(pfffft) in addition to potent sedatives to overcome the effects of the speed he took. 

nukefreekiwi

Are you hallucination again?  This threat is about harmful practices I sport that raised its head in New Zealand sport.  There are quite a number of New Zealand players jumping around between League and Union Rugby 0 so it is quite likely that this practice  will be following them around in both components of the game.      

 "This threat is about harmful practices in sport that raised its head in New Zealand sport."

It doesn't get any plainer, simpler or easier than that....which part of it don't you understand, Nuki?