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The pledge provides athletes with an opportunity to join the stand that many leading athletes and support staff are making against the use of banned substances in sports around the world. All those who sign the pledge agree to ensure that they are up to date with the list of banned substances, the processes that are part of testing. They will also promote clean sports to their colleagues and the young athletes who are to follow in their footsteps. For some who have signed, this simply means wearing the green wristband when they compete and train, as an acknowledgement of the pledge – while others are attending sports events or seminars as guest ambassadors promoting the clean sports message. The armband serves as a reminder to athletes to stay up to date. It also allows them to identify alongside many other elite athletes who are making a stand for the ideals of clean sport
Drug Free Sport NZ conducted 1602 tests in sports in the 2005/6 calendar year. Nearly 25% of these tests were conducted in rugby. Education remains a high priority within rugby, with seminars being provided to athletes from Academy level through to International Level on an annual basis. To see a list of the last 300 athletes who have signed the pledge visit click here
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Players, managers and coaches competing the Pub Charity National Sevens Tournament on the weekend in Queenstown became part of the Drug Free Sport NZ ‘Strong Enough to be Clean’ pledge programme. 
“It is a shared responsibility to ensure that athletes are informed about their rights and responsibilities, the banned list and the health risks associated with banned substances” says Andrew Sylvester, Education Manager for Drug Free Sport NZ. “The support of the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Players Association for this programme shows there is a clear message that is being taken on by athletes and staff alike.”