Agar 'completely disagrees' with claim by former player Agar that doping is rife in rugby league

Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar has hit back at claims doping is rife in rugby league.

The sport was rocked this week when former Scotland captain Ollie Wilkes revealed he took performance-enhancing drugs during his career and alleged that coaches used to help their stars dodge tests.

Former Leigh Centurions forward Jamie Acton, who was given a two-year doping ban last month, also claimed it would be ‘abnormal’ for players not to have used drugs.

But speaking ahead of Friday’s game at old rivals Wigan, Agar — who coached Wilkes at Wakefield Trinity —said: ‘I completely disagree that drugs is a widespread problem in our game and I’ve coached for 20-odd years.

‘I can certainly talk about my club with great confidence and say that’s not the case and I think I can go back to all the clubs I’ve been at and say it’s not a widespread issue.

‘Any sport in the world will always find the odd individual that may not make the best choice but I would say they are very minor pockets.’

Agar has also been angered by the RFL’s decision to upgrade James Bentley’s ban from three games to four after they deemed the Rhinos’ appeal against their new signing’s suspension to be ‘frivolous’.

Leeds forward Bentley was shown a red card for a high tackle in Saturday’s 22-20 defeat by Warrington. ‘If we get to a point where we don’t challenge, if we fear more punishment, we would be heading towards a totalitarian system,’ said Agar.

Bentley was one of three players sent off in the opening round of the season, with Catalans’ Dylan Napa and Hull’s Jake Connor also given their marching orders for high tackles.

Referees have been ordered to clamp down on foul play to the head this season and Rhinos captain Kruise Leeming has backed the new stance.

‘I think the rule change is a positive one,’ said the hooker. ‘The referees are under a lot of pressure with injuries that are happening and people leaving the sport and maybe putting lawsuits in against rugby league.

‘It is only going to be better for the sport, making it safer for the players. The game has changed and we as players need to adapt.’

The former Super League prop has blown the whistle in the hope the sport will crack down. On clubs helping cover up for dopers, Wilkes said: ‘On a couple of occasions, if drug testers are here (coaches would say), “Here is your chance to bob out”.

‘There have been a couple of times when guys have nipped out and their names haven’t gone down on the list.’

An RFL statement said: ‘The RFL condemns drug use in sport. We actively encourage anyone who has any concerns regarding doping to report them.’