Wilkin joins Anti-Doping committee

Correspondent

St Helens and England forward Jon Wilkin has been appointed as Rugby League’s representative on UK Anti-Doping’s newly-formed Athlete Committee.

The committee’s aim is to provide advice on all matters related to drugs misuse and testing in sport and features key figures from a range of sports.

Wilkin said he was looking forward to sharing his strong views on doping with the other members of the committee and learning about how different sports are tackling the issue.

“A few people suggested I should apply for the position when UK Anti-Doping announced its intention to form a committee because of my strong opinions on the issue,” said Wilkin.

“I’ve made it clear that I believe drugs testing procedures can be improved and I thought that instead of just complaining about things, I could do something positive to influence the future of drugs testing in Rugby League.

“This is a chance for me to reflect the views of many senior Rugby League players at an important national forum.

“In many areas Rugby League is a leader in the field of drugs testing and I’m sure we can share best practice with other sports. At the same time we can also learn how to improve our own systems.

“Everyone wants to play in a fair competition where no-one uses performance enhancing substances to gain an unfair advantage and hopefully the UKAD athletes committee can help Rugby League and other sports reach that situation.”

Wilkin’s appointment has the full support of the RFL, which continues to work closely with UKAD to eradicate drugs use in sport.

Wilkin will be a part of a 10-strong committee represented by Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports which will include Paralympic gold medallist Helene Raynsford, Burnley FC’s Clark Carlisle and former England rugby union captain Martin Corry.

UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive, Andy Parkinson, said: “I am delighted that we have finalised the membership of our Athlete Committee.

“It is vitally important to UK Anti-Doping that athletes feel engaged with our work and have confidence that their views and opinions are being listened to.

“Therefore it is very pleasing that we have been able to form a diverse group from across elite sport in the UK, who can help to ensure a close working relationship between UK Anti-Doping and the athlete community.”