RFU rejects Laporte doping claim

Laporte said France has tight doping rules, but he "could not be sure" about players in England or New Zealand.

"We're confident we have a very robust programme," RFU tournaments director Terry Burwell told the Daily Mail.

"We're the only Union with a full-time doping officer, which leaves no doubt as to how seriously we take it."

He also said UK Sport's testing programme supplemented the RFU's own efforts.

"UK Sport conducts 450 tests on our behalf every year, both after matches and at random, in and out of season," said Burwell.

The response came after Laporte queried the cleanliness of English rugby.

"There is regular monitoring in France," said the French coach.

"The player cannot dope himself - well, he can, but he will be caught. But what is happening in New Zealand or in England? You cannot be sure of anything.

"The only certainty is there are dope tests at international matches. But they are only on urine and you have to go further than that."

International Rugby Board vice-chairman and ex-England captain Bill Beaumont has also rejected Laporte's comments out of hand.

"The RFU - and rugby in general - takes drug-testing extremely seriously," he told Radio Four's Today programme.

"Certainly from the RFU's point of view, I think they act in a very diligent manner regarding testing.

"I'm surprised and disappointed (by Laporte's comments)... Whether it was taken out of context, I don't know."