IRFU BITE BACK
Rugby chiefs: Pain protocols are all in order
THE IRFU have backed their medical practices in the wake of Brian O’Driscoll’s startling comments about the use of painkillers in rugby.
The former Ireland captain, who retired in 2014 aged 35, revealed that the use of prescribed painkillers ‘almost became like a habit’ in the latter stages of his career as he tried to cope with various injury issues.
‘I would have been part of teams where a doctor would have walked down the bus on the way to the game and enquired as to who wanted what,’ the former Leinster, Ireland and Lions centre told Newstalk’s Off The Ball.
‘For the last couple of seasons, part of my match prep would have been a Difene and a couple of cocodamol. If it’s perfectly legal, give yourself a chance of playing your best game.’
O’Driscoll’s comments caused widespread debate yesterday on the use of painkillers in rugby, its effect on player welfare and the extent to which it was promoted.
When contacted by Sportsmail yesterday, the
IRFU backed their own procedures in a short statement: ‘IRFU medical staff operate under guidelines and protocols for the provision of appropriate medicines to players when required as part of a holistic treatment plan.’
Similarly, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen defended the medical practices he oversees in the province, claiming O’Driscoll’s comments belonged in ‘the past’.
‘To say there’s an image of medication being just handed out willy-nilly is a very unfair reflection on the environment we have here at the moment,’ said Cullen.
‘All I’m really concerned about is the environment we have here at the moment, I’m not really interested in dragging up things from the past, that would be my view.
‘Any time there’s medication involved, everyone needs to be very cautious.
‘Ultimately we’re trying to provide an environment that’s very safe for the players.’
Meanwhile, Cullen is confident Stuart Lancaster will remain with the Leinster backroom staff following concerted speculation linking the coach with Bath, who Leinster face in the Champions Cup tomorrow at The Rec, and reports that England would be interested in bringing their former head man back on board.