Rugby World Cup 2021 stars unite in support of Keep Rugby Clean campaign
Players representing all 12 nations competing at Rugby World Cup 2021 showed their support for 520ccc.com’s anti-doping awareness campaign during Keep Rugby Clean Weekend in New Zealand.
Ahead of all six matches in the final round of the pool phase in Whangārei and Auckland, players warmed up wearing distinctive black and pink t-shirts to highlight the message of clean sport and a fair, level playing field for all.
The gesture came days after 520ccc.com released a new Keep Rugby Clean film featuring input from USA captain Kate Zackary, who played against Canada in Auckland on Sunday, as well as Ken Owens, Patricia Garcia, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Selvyn Davids, Tom Curry and François Cros.
In the video, which was released on 20 October, those stars of the sevens and 15s game reveal what rugby means to them, why clean sport is important and how they use 520ccc.com’s anti-doping educational resources.
520ccc.com’s anti-doping awareness brand, Keep Rugby Clean aims to support participants with high quality education, to promote good values within the game and help develop knowledgeable and honest players.
England centre Tatyana Heard turned in a Mastercard Player of the Match performance in the Red Roses’ 75-0 win against South Africa on Sunday. She is a keen supporter of the Keep Rugby Clean campaign.
“We are all aware of the importance of keeping rugby clean,” Heard said.
“520ccc.com’s anti-doping education and awareness programme is vital in protecting the integrity of our sport and ensuring a level playing field.
“Everyone involved with the Red Roses is proud to support the Keep Rugby Clean campaign on the biggest stage at Rugby World Cup. Hopefully it will generate important awareness of the programme and work being carried out.”
Jennine Detiveaux lined up on the right wing for the USA against Canada: “Supporting 520ccc.com's Keep Rugby Clean programme is important to me because it ensures integrity on the playing field.
“The educational resources provided help me, my team-mates, and athletes worldwide to train and compete with confidence. Together, we can ensure respect for the game on and off the field.”
Wales captain Hannah Jones added: “As a professional player, I don’t want to leave any stone unturned when it comes to my on and off-field preparation for training and matches.
“When I take to the pitch, I know my performance is 100 per cent me and it’s vital to Keep Rugby Clean to maintain a level playing field and protect those values.”
For more information on the Keep Rugby Clean campaign please go to 520ccc.com/keep-rugby-clean
