The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published its 2024 Prohibited List. The Prohibited List is important as it designates what substances and methods are prohibited in sport, in-competition only, and within specific sports.

Included on the 2024 List is the substance Tramadol, which will be banned in-competition from 1 January 2024.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic and is classified as a prescription only medicine in the UK. Tramadol misuse is of concern because of the risks of physical dependence, opiate addiction, and overdose. It has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries.

In light of Tramadol’s impending ban which will come into effect on 1 January 2024, it is imperative that Players and Support Personnel familiarise themselves with the changes, review any medications they use on Global DRO, and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if required before the updated List comes into effect on 1 January 2024.

The WRU remain committed in promoting Clean Sport and working in partnership with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and World Rugby to protect the integrity of our sport.

WRU Head of Policy and Integrity Jeremy Rogers stated: ‘We support players and athlete support personnel through a combination of engagement and education, to ensure that they understand and commit to their responsibilities in relation to anti-doping. We want players to make good decisions both on and off the field and the STAY ONSIDE education programme underpins our anti-doping strategy and is delivered by a cohort of experienced WRU Educators who are also UKAD qualified.’

It is imperative that Players and Support Personnel are aware of their responsibility around checking their medication and to fully understand the principle of strict liability. Strict liability means that you are solely responsible for any banned substance you use, attempt to use, or is found in your system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was any intention to cheat. Not knowing is not enough.

If you are concerned about tramadol misuse, please reach out to the WRU Integrity Team or speak to your doctor prior to the change in status on the 2024 Prohibited List.

Please visit UK Anti-Doping’s website to read a full summary of the changes on the 2024 List.

The following resources are also available to read on WADA’s website:
https://www.ukad.org.uk/news/2024-prohibited-list-summary-changes

• The full 2024 Prohibited List
• The WADA 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes
• The 2024 Monitoring Program which includes substances not currently on the List but are being monitored by WADA for potential patterns of misuse in sport.

All supporting material, including the WRU Anti-Doping Strategy can be found on the WRU Game Locker