Okay so today a social media picture of a known SBR rugby player did the rounds and caused quite a stir, prompting numerous discussions about the use of steroids in school and post-school sport.
Mention was made of a particular steroid called Anavar which is a favourite amongst pro bodybuilders and has seemingly become very popular amongst schoolboys.
At the risk of sounding naive, I was actually under the impression that steroids were fairly hard to get hold of, still believing that acquiring these drugs was a kind of black market affair involving some sort of shady dealer. I suggested to someone that whoever is distributing this stuff to the school kids must be making a killing.
However it turns out these drugs are far easier to get hold of than I expected. They can be purchased online.
For example a Dot CoZA online storewill sell you Anavar (called A-var on their website) for a price per bottle in line with what supplements from the pharmacy costs. They’ll even courier to your doorstep in discreet packaging as well.
It’s that easy. Scary stuff!
@Hopper: Welcome and thanks for clearing this up. Are you aware of any recent instances where someone in South Africa has been charged with the illegal distribution of steroids?
This seems to be the typical approach in the recreational / designer drug war – cut off the source.
I know this was posted a while ago, but I have just come across this site and saw this so I though I would try provide some clarity. Steroids are a schedule 6 or 7 drug meaning that possession of them without a script, and in some cases you cannot be prescribed them, is illegal and is a criminal offence.
They are however not difficult to obtain if you are looking for them (they are in most gyms and even at schools could be bought), the things you can buy over the counter are called pro-hormones which, in my humble opinion, are worse for your body than steroids as the are largely untested and pass through your liver. They are legal because as they stand on the counter they do not have the same or similar chemical make up of steroids but are converted in your body to become steroids.
I believe that schools should run a more detailed awareness programme which not only details the long and short term side effects of steroids on an adolescent body, but also the dangers of pro-hormones. Well this is my first post :D let me know if you have any questions or comments. Have a good weekend
@beet: Thanks Beet.
This is always a very interesting topic and maybe we need someone from Drug Free Sport to give us their insight. I know there was a stand at SA Academy Week. I have also found the website worthwhile especially in terms of what medications have banned substances in them. http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/
@Hopper: The max is measured by a 1 rep max i.e. the most you can push with the correct form for 1 rep. @ZnCoach is correct, as I know a few boys who can comfortably do this.
@ZnCoach: I would love to see a 16 year olf bench 140kg properly, not little jerky movements but brought down to the chest slowly, then gentle tap on the chest and back up for 10 reps. Also, not bouncing it off their chests or arching their backs to they off the bench……I think there could be one or 2 props who might be able to do that. The biggest bencher in the Aussie team can only do 180kg and SA about 180kg too. These are grown men. Anyway, I can’t say what you have seen so cannot argue. All I know after gyming myself for 20 years is that 140kg bench for a 16 year old is incredible.
@CyndiAtRugby: I’m reading your point of view now and understanding where you are coming from. Honestly when I came across this information today, the first thing that crossed my mind was I should share this with everyone who was equally unaware that these steroids are so easy to acquire. I was thinking adults. It didn’t cross my mind that I might be planting ideas in the minds of potential future users who had not been exposed to this kind of thing as well.
Last year I read Tyler Hamilton’s book on Lance Armstrong and it came across that performance enhancing steroids are banned in France and if caught in possession by French policemen one could go to jail. It was a bit of a shock to the system to now find out that in SA there is virtually no regulating of the distribution of steroids. I had an idea in my mind that to acquire these substances legally here, one had to have a doctor’s prescription or something official.
I actually wonder if there is a law that stops an adult from buying steroids over the net and selling it to minors or even just buying it on their behalf.
@Grasshopper sorry my friend but I have to disagree with you on your statement about 16 or 17yr olds not being able to bench press 120kg for 10 reps without taking something illegal, I have been in the fitness industry for more than 16 years and for the good part of the last 5yrs have been working with SBR players specially in gym training and I have a good few boys I train who can comfortably bench 140kg 1RM as well as squat 140/150kg 1RM.
Creatine is a biggie amongst SBR players but what most of them don’t realise is that creatine only works for about 75% of people.
I am not an advocator of supplements to boys u18 as they need to allow there bodies to grow and recover with good wholesome food, however with so many of our SBR players being multi talented sportsman most of them become deficient in vitamins and proteins so basic whey or “meal replacements” are needed.
Let’s be quite honest if we had had the same gym facilities and expertise available to use back in the 90’s and below we too would possibly have been as strong and big, our boys have access to info, training techniques and programs that most pro players in the late 90’s and early 2000’s didn’t even receive.
I completely agree that boys need and must be tested because the use and abuse of steroids will only continue to grow as the demand for contracts, CW selections etc heightens.
That’s just my 5cents worth.
@Koos Roos: Ek het n “redelike” kennis van die dwelmhanel. Ek is nie betrokke by die vrylatingsproses van die gemors wat handel dryf nie, maar met die gebroke slagoffers wat dit gebruik en daarvan vrygemaak wil word. Ek weet ook van die Art. 21 gevalle wie gaan wegkruip in re-habs terwyl hulle eintlik moet vrot in n tronk.Daar is goeie polisiemanne, maar hulle is min en raak al minder by die dag. “onreelmatig” is die wagwoord. Bykans alles in SA is onreelmatig of grens daaraan, en dit sluit in die vrylating van handelaars. Ek verseker jou, dit is slegs die uitsondering wat in die hof beland. En ja, jy is reg. Ek wed nie, maar sal nooit glo dat Grey verloor nie, al kry hulle nou en dan minder punte as die opponente.
@Koos Roos: Yep, testing is the answer but currently too expensive, hence why they should test those that look a little over developed. Young boys are naturally toned, it’s when you get muscle mass with tone is when questions are asked. There is a huge difference between natural ‘ballie’ strength like Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger and gym strength like Pierre Spies, the former is better for rugby…
@Grasshopper: I know boys who are using sups and they are muscle toned and no signs of man boobs etc. They don’t use steroids. Some were tested for other sports they partake in on international level. But I suppose you would be right in 80% of ypur observations. I say testing is the answer. Right down to at least u 16.
@BOG: Ou Boggie. Bly maar by rugby. Ek verseker jou geen dwelmhandelaar word so maklik vrygelaat nie. Gebruikers mag dalk in sommige gevalle op so min borg vrygelaat. Handel in dwelms is een van die gevalle waar slegs die hof kan vrylaat, hetsy op waarskuwing of borg. As dit anders gebeur is dit onreëlmatig. Verskeie van my kliënte wag weke vir so ‘n borgaansoek. Dat daat hanky panky by sommige stasies aangaan is gewis so, maar om so wild te veralgemeen is ewe onverantwoordelik as om geld elke jaar op Grey te sit teen PRG. Maar nou weet ons jy doen. Anyway, laat weet bietjie waneer die polisie daar in jou geweste weer ‘n Garage sale hou. My kliënte like bargains! (Net ‘n grap) voor die eerste klip my rigting kom. Op ‘n ernstige noot. Daar IS nog goeie polisiemanne daarbuite wat al ons ondersteuning nodig het.
@Koos Roos: I disagree wholeheartedly, there is a huge (excuse the pun) difference between supplements and steroids. Steroids improves capability by up to 50%, so a kid benching 80kg max can then do 120kg within 3 months, it’s crazy! If I used it, I would be benching 180kg plus. Steroids cut the body immensely, vascularity (seeing veins) is insane and the muscle actually becomes to bulky for the bones/frame. I can spot a roid user miles away. Creatine and supplements, can increase strength by 20% max and do not cut, they actually help the body retain water so the boys can gain weight quick but look bloated. They then try cutters like Hydroxycut etc to lose the ‘fat’ or water. Those have caffeine and Guarana, not great for the heart. The main thing to look for is strange aggression. Also, shrinkage of the nether regions should be a put off, obviously not. Growing ‘man-boobs’ another…….these drugs are a disgrace and should be thrown straight in the bin. Designed for horses and livestock, now being used on humans!
@CyndiAtRugby: I didn’t advertise it, Beet did. If Under17’s are doing that then they are on Creatine and Glutamine. I trained for 6 years non stop so know a thing or two about bodybuilding. My good mate is actually SA champ. A 16 year old body, no matter how big should not be able to bench 120kg for 10 reps properly…sorry!
@RBugger: Agree, and the majority of the boys drugging are not sportsmen (who at least stand a chance of being caught) but bodybuilders or kids that just want to get big and ripped for the girls. The last school I recall being outed had 6 or 7 kids caught, or which 3 were sportsmen.
@BOG: And in Bloemfontein you buy it at pharmacies
There is not a place in SA which is more than 10 minutes away from a drug dealer (merchant as they eloquently refer to themselves) How many are busted? Almost none, and if they are busted, a R100 bill secures immediate release. The confiscated drugs are sold at a discount by the police to other dealers. Now, if its that easy to buy hard life destroying drugs, how much easier would it be to get steroids? That unfortunately, is the sad reality in SA.
@CyndiAtRugby: While I do see your point and agree with you, the problem is way past that.
I would think all School-Boys even thinking of steriods know exactly where to get it from – ie, kids in their own schools
@Koos Roos: Whey protein and creatine, the most common supplements for getting bigger and stronger.
I can tell you this, the results of these supplements compared to a steriod, is like chalk and cheese – you can’t compare the results at all.
Not just in physical appearance but also in strength, speed, stamina etc etc
The Supplement Trade, to my knowledge, is not regulated – so you are correct in saying there could be some weird cocktails etc, but certainly not steriods
@Grasshopper: I think you may be surprised to find out just how many U17 players are capable of doing this and more without steroids.
I know kids are clever and can get information without a problem but surely advertising the website, the cost, the delivery mechanism etc on this blog which many kids read is not very responsible.
Guys, here is my question. Suplements have become the norm in SBR. Not talking steroids. Anyone who questions this, doesn’t know what is going on. Most popular is Whey, which is concentrated protein mostly. A natural product which has been concentrated. Use of this together with hard training brings great results. To simply state you can pick the child on looks is not fair. My concern is how honest these companies are in furnishing detail about ALL the ingedients?
@Greenwood: Funny you should mention that, will not say any more
@Grasshopper: Yes I know what you mean, but do the schools not monitor this, in terms of borders? I would hope parents of day boys would notice if their sons grew dramatically in such a short space of time..
What about The comments last year on this blog about a SBR team – (a school – not a provincial team ) where the scrum weighed more than the 95′ Boks world Cup team !! – Too many pies ,doughnuts & Hots dogs – don’t think so …….
RBugger Open , honest comment here – me too , if I were a SBR player I would think about it
I’ve done quite a few Duzi’s (years ago) and did ok but had to cope with Coke ( the bottled stuff ) and Oros – came in the first 20 once – would have made top 10 with the help of Mr Roids – enough said …..
@RBugger: But it’s obvious what kids are on juice, I could pick them out of a group of 1000 boys. If 17 year old boys are benching more than 120kg, squatting 160kg, deadlifting 150kg and leg pressing over 200kg they on something for sure. I bodybuilded clean in the 90’s and my best for those with correct form in matric were 100kg bench, 120kg squat, 120kg deadlift and 160kg leg press max! I weighed 90kg and was 6foot3, not small but not huge either…benching your own weight is the goal…
@Grasshopper: Ya for sure, the results are unbelievable, steriods evolve just as all medication does and the results speak for them-selves.
The kids must remember though, this is SBR and the reality is, most of them will never make it (in rugby)
If i was on the verge on becoming a Bok, I would probably consider a steriod, but I would certainly consult with a Doc first to find out exactly what could possibly happen.
And this will become a trend, because if you competition is taking juice and therefore is stronger and quicker, what are your options? Play 2nds or take juice… Hard choice for a kid to make
@RBugger: Probably a handful and in the ‘off’ season. I have seen boys go from healthy 90kg with 10% bodyfat in December to 105kg and 4% bodyfat by Jan, that is how quick it works. Funny the boys still avoid their legs though, biggest mistake. It’s a serious situation, worse than the poaching as this involves lives and futures…
@Grasshopper: It is true, how is it, that so many people know about this problem, but yet, no one is getting bust? Do rugby players get tested for steriods or not?
@RBugger: Yep, and now hundreds of teenage boys are using this, including some very high profile boys being contracted to unions!!
@Grasshopper: I love how the article makes it sound as though Anavar is a good substance to take.
Anavar is a steriod initially made for Aids Patients, to keep those with Aids stronger.
Go speak to a Doctor about Anavar and they will not be as full of praise for the substance.
This steriod produces abnormal amounts of testosterone into the body, the result, the body becomes use to receiving testosterone from a tablet or injection. The body then forgets/turns off the testosterone once the steriod is finished – this means, no babies should you ever want them.
Basically, should not be taken at all unless you are very ill, aka Aids, when side effects do not matter all that much
@Scrum Doctor: Check this out; http://ianabolicsteroids.co.za/a-look-into-anavar/