Chipu skipper rallies behind anti doping campaign at World U20 Trophy

RUGBY Chipu skipper rallies behind anti doping campaign at World U20 Trophy

Mark Kinyanjui 06:30 - 27.07.2023

The Keep Rugby Clean campaign aims to deter doping by raising awareness on the risks of the malpractice.

The national men's rugby U20 captain Michael Wamalwa has emphasized the importance of the “Keep Rugby Clean” initiative, an anti-doping campaign that aims at safeguarding the integrity of the sport.

The initiative has been well-publicized throughout the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament, which has been taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium from 15th July and will culminate on Sunday 30th July.

All 184 players representing their nations at the tournament have worn distinct t-shirts during warm-ups to symbolize their unwavering support for World Rugby's anti-doping awareness campaign.

Speaking to World Rugby, Wamalwa said the initiative will help ensure fair play in the sport both on and off the field.

“Clean rugby is important as it protects the integrity of the sport we love and ensures a level playing field for all involved,” he said.

“[It has been] a transformative experience as it helps me and my team-mates not only abide by the laws of game but also play clean on and off the field of play.

“It helps me and my teammates maintain the integrity of the sport of rugby. It also helps us to be people of integrity in our lives outside of rugby.”

Prior to the start of the tournament, all teams were required to take part in comprehensive online and face-to-face sessions tailored to their native languages in order to help them get to grips with the fundamentals of the initiative.

The eight teams competing in the tournament united to take a collective stand against doping on Keep Rugby Clean Day.

The Keep Rugby Clean programme not only serves as a powerful deterrent to doping but also nurtures a sense of responsibility among athletes.

The tournament will end on Sunday with Kenya who finished third in Pool B, set to face Zimbabwe, the third-placed team of Pool A to determine who will emerge fifth.

Chipu will be eyeing revenge on Zimbabwe, who walloped them in the final of the Barthes Trophy two months ago.

Tags: