League to step up drugs education

The Rugby Football League has admitted its concern over the number of players who are failing drug tests.

The Rugby Football League has admitted its concern over the number of players who are failing drug tests.

Bradford's Ryan Hudson was recently given a two-year ban for taking steroids, against which he has subsequently appealed. At least one more case is thought to be working its way through the system.

"We don't think it's the tip of an iceberg," said the RFL's executive chairman, Richard Lewis. "But there are too many positive tests coming through. We want to educate players so that they don't take anything, deliberately or inadvertently."

The game's International Federation meets this weekend in Australia. Lewis will argue for the Tri-Nations tournament staying in Britain this autumn and going to Australia in 2006.

Brian Carney will play his first game of the season for Wigan against Leigh on Friday. Leigh will be without Jason Ferris, who has a fractured cheekbone. Widnes' Gary Connolly is expected to be out for a month after breaking his thumb.

The Challenge Cup tie between Leeds and Warrington will be shown by the BBC on Saturday 2 April, with Wakefield and Hull screened the following day. The amateur side Wath Brow Hornets' travel costs for their tie in Toulouse will be covered from central funds.