U20 Championship Players Unite for Keep Rugby Clean Day in Italy

In a significant display of solidarity, all 276 players participating in the final round of pool matches at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy will wear distinctive shirts to promote anti-doping awareness during the event's Keep Rugby Clean Day. This initiative, scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Calvisano and Verona, aims to foster a culture of integrity and respect within the sport.

The Keep Rugby Clean campaign, spearheaded by World Rugby, emphasizes the importance of education in combatting doping risks. Through this program, athletes are educated about their responsibilities, the potential dangers of doping, and the ethical standards expected in rugby. As Antoine Deliance, captain of France, articulated, “Rugby is a sport built on respect, courage, and integrity. As captain, I’m proud to stand for clean sport. Wearing this shirt during warm-up is a reminder to everyone that true strength comes from honesty and hard work.”

Tom Burrow, the England captain, echoed Deliance's sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of education in maintaining the sport's integrity. “It's important to have visibility around a key issue like doping, especially with the world's best teams coming together this month,” he stated. Burrow expressed pride in supporting the initiative, highlighting the need for consistent education regarding anti-doping regulations.

The importance of a collective commitment to clean sport was further emphasized by Gianmarco Pietramala, captain of Italy, who noted, “Committing collectively to keeping this wonderful sport clean is a shared goal that we must uphold at every level.” This shared commitment is crucial not only for the integrity of rugby but also for the future of the sport.

Jai Tamati, a scrum-half from New Zealand, highlighted the broader implications of the campaign. “It's important to support Keep Rugby Clean Day because when we show our support on the world stage, we set an example for the rest of the sport at school level and club age-grade level,” he said. Tamati underscored that maintaining fairness in sports requires hard work and dedication, not shortcuts.

Ireland’s captain Éanna McCarthy also stressed the significance of the initiative, stating, “Supporting Keep Rugby Clean Day is really important to the Irish team because it means we commit to hard work, honesty, and integrity both on and off the pitch.” This commitment reinforces the values inherent in rugby and ensures a level playing field for all competitors.

The educational component of the Keep Rugby Clean initiative involved extensive training for all 12 participating teams. This program, delivered in multiple languages, included both online and face-to-face educational sessions, equipping players with the knowledge needed to navigate anti-doping regulations effectively. Riley Norton, captain of South Africa, articulated the essence of the campaign succinctly: “Keep Rugby Clean means playing with honesty, integrity, and pride – on and off the field.”

Spain's captain, Pau Massoni, added to the narrative by emphasizing the consequences of athletes' decisions. “Keeping rugby clean is important because it makes us compete under the same circumstances,” he noted. The players’ unified stance against doping not only promotes fairness but also preserves the spirit of the game.

World Rugby collaborates closely with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and national anti-doping organizations to deter doping behaviors. The ongoing efforts to educate and raise awareness about doping emphasize the necessity of maintaining the sport's integrity.

The collective initiative on Keep Rugby Clean Day serves as a powerful reminder of the values that underpin rugby and the commitment of its players to uphold these principles. As the U20 Championship progresses, the visibility and importance of this campaign will resonate throughout the sport, ensuring that the message of fair play is clear and loud.

For more information about the Keep Rugby Clean campaign, visit [World Rugby](https://www.world.rugby/keep-rugby-clean).