IRL delivers comprehensive Anti-Doping education ahead of RLWC26 qualifiers

International Rugby League (IRL) is delivering a comprehensive program of anti-doping education to the staff of eight national teams competing in its 2025 competitions, underscoring its commitment to clean sport and compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

The program has been led by Prof. Dr. Nenad Dikic, IRL Anti-Doping Manager, and Prof. Dr. Marija Andjelkovic, Chair of the IRL Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Committee.

Each group of team staff has attended, or is scheduled to attend, a dedicated one-hour workshop providing practical guidance on:

• Doping control procedures
• Athlete responsibility and liability
• Therapeutic Use Exemptions
• Where to find further support and advice

To extend the reach of the initiative, all teams have been offered follow-up workshops for their players.

The staff of Canada, Fiji, Ireland, and Nigeria’s women’s teams have already attended sessions in advance of the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series, which begins in Ontario on October 21.

Training for the staff of the Cook Islands, France, Jamaica, and South Africa’s men’s teams will be completed before the IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - France v Jamaica in Albi on October 25 and Cook Islands v South Africa in Sydney on November 9.

Workshops have been well attended, with active engagement and positive feedback from participants.

In line with its role as a WADA Code signatory, IRL has also instructed the National Anti-Doping Agencies of each host country to conduct testing at all matches.

“Education is the first line of defense in protecting the integrity of our sport,” said Prof. Dr. Nenad Dikic, IRL Anti-Doping Manager. “By engaging directly with team staff and players, we ensure that anti-doping rules are clearly understood and implemented consistently.”

Prof. Dr. Marija Andjelkovic, Chair of the IRL Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee, added: “It is vital that athletes and their support personnel know not only their responsibilities, but also the support systems in place for them. This program gives teams the knowledge and tools to navigate complex situations in line with international standards.”

This initiative forms part of IRL’s long-term strategy to raise awareness, build expertise within national federations, and ensure that all teams aspiring to compete at the Rugby League World Cup 2026 are fully compliant with global anti-doping regulations.