Drug testing procedures in Ireland come under the auspices of the UK Sports Council as there is no commensurate body here but are confined to internationals, interprovincials which take place in Belfast, and European Cup matches. There is no testing after club matches.

The procedure may be deemed flexible in that players chosen to provide a sample may be drawn either before the start of a match or at halftime but once they return to the dressing rooms they are constantly monitored.

Ascertaining those for testing is done by drawing numbers, either face down on a table or from a bag. A member of the UK Sports Council co-ordinates the draw, which is attended by representatives of the competing teams.

Numbers one to 22 are included as both the team and the seven replacements may be tested. It is then decided whether just two numbers or four numbers are to be drawn. If it is two i.e., 1 and 21, then the players who correspond to those numbers from both teams will be asked for a sample.

If four are called for, then 1 and 21 may be called from team A and 3 and 16 from team B. For the most part the draw is conducted at half-time given that it leaves less opportunity for manipulation.

Once the draw has been completed the respective team managements are informed. It is then their responsibility to produce the players in question immediately they leave the pitch be it during, or at the end of, the match. Players are then monitored until they produce a sample.

The test are conducted at King's College in London, which has an IOC approved laboratory.