Players competing at the World Rugby U20 Championship 2026 will unite on Tuesday in support of clean sport by taking part in Keep Rugby Clean Day, reinforcing World Rugby’s commitment to fair play and anti-doping awareness.
Ahead of the final round of pool matches in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, players from all participating teams will wear special t-shirts during their warm-ups to demonstrate their collective support for playing the game free from doping.
The initiative is part of Keep Rugby Clean, World Rugby’s anti-doping education and awareness programme, which focuses on educating players about their responsibilities, highlighting the risks associated with doping and promoting the values of honesty, integrity and fair competition.
England captain Connor Treacey said the campaign reinforces the importance of earning success through hard work and honesty. He noted that rugby’s core values of respect and fairness make it essential for players to protect the integrity of the sport for teammates, opponents and future generations.
Treacey also highlighted the value of the education provided through the programme, saying it taught the squad that staying clean is about more than simply following the rules, it also means taking responsibility for personal health while upholding the values that define rugby.
France captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi shared a similar view, describing the initiative as a reminder to compete with honesty and respect while preserving the trust that underpins the game.
He said the programme also raised awareness of how easily athletes can unintentionally commit an anti-doping violation through supplements or a lack of knowledge, giving players the confidence to make informed decisions and encourage their teammates to do the same.