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Page last updated at 12:04 GMT, Sunday, 29 August 2010 13:04 UK

Drug testers incense Warrington Wolves boss Tony Smith

By Julian Shea
BBC Sport at Wembley

Lee Briers
Briers won the Lance Todd Trophy for man of the match in the final

Warrington coach Tony Smith hit out at rugby league's drug testers for spoiling celebrations after their Challenge Cup final win over Leeds.

Man of the match Lee Briers and Ben Harrison were taken aside for random tests and unable to join team-mates.

"They've missed out on that moment where you sit down in the dressing room and say 'we did this'," said Smith.

"We're not allowed to take the guys in for what is for some people a once-in-a-lifetime moment."

Smith said he fully supported the fight against doping and any measures to root out drugs cheats, but he felt that under the circumstances, the situation could have been handled more sensitively.

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"I want to catch cheats and I back it up, but we're a team sport," he said.

"This might work in individual sports but it's not working (in rugby league). Our drug testing system is not where it needs to be.

"They had ample opportunity to get them out there (in post-match celebrations on the pitch).

"Lee [Briers] could have to be here for four to five hours. That's how long it took him last time. If we have a bus to catch, he misses out - he's not part of our team from herein until he gives a sample."



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see also
Leeds 6-30 Warrington
28 Aug 10 |  Rugby League
Wolves expect further improvement
28 Aug 10 |  Rugby League
Sinfield embarrassed by Cup loss
28 Aug 10 |  Rugby League
Challenge Cup final photos
28 Aug 10 |  Rugby League
Challenge Cup final as it happened
28 Aug 10 |  Rugby League
Super League Show
17 Feb 08 |  Rugby League


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