Berbizier: Rugby is riddled with drugs

French rugby is awash with drugs, according to Pierre Berbizier.

The alarming claim from the former France captain and coach comes as 10 British clubs prepare to meet French opposition in the weekend's resumption of European ties in both the Heineken Cup and Shield tournaments.

Berbizier said: 'Drugs have become a reality in the French championship. And the drugs are stronger than just Creatine because of the hellish timetable imposed on them.

'The physical demands are too much. The authorities point the finger at the Southern Hemisphere when we should be cleaning up our own mess.' Creatine, a muscle-building nutritional supplement widely used in British rugby, is not on the IOC banned list of substances but it remains illegal in France. Berbizier's claims follow his resignation last month as Narbonne coach.

But Serge Blanco, Berbizier's former teammate, has reacted angrily to the accusation. 'These claims are scandalous,' said Blanco, now president of the French National League. 'Rugby and cycling were the first sports in France to impose drug-testing without being told to do so.'