Former Ireland hooker Shane Byrne has criticised journalist Paul Kimmage for being “too broad” with his concerns about the possibility of systematic doping within Irish rugby.
Speaking on Moncrieff this afternoon, Byrne cautioned the journalist over expressing his concerns without knowing the ramifications of his actions.
“Paul, he’s respected particularly for what he did with the cycling, what he uncovered, what he helped to uncover, so that when he weighs in with something he has to realise that it has a bit of clout,” said Byrne.
Former professional cyclist Kimmage is a seasoned anti-doping campaigner in his own sport and last month he wrote an article about a new book by former France rugby international Laurent Benezech. The Frenchman has compared drug use in French rugby to that of cycling, which has a notorious record on the issue.
In turn Kimmage has highlighted the potential for such a culture to exist within these shores, and was involved in a heated debate with Byrne over doping in rugby during the week.
“I know he’s saying that he’s just reporting on a book that was coming out in France," Byrne continued. "But like by him just associating an Irish rugby player with the chance that this is right, he has got to understand that there is a weight behind that.
“To leave it as broad as, one of the things that he said it ‘the medication of rugby players’ … but like that includes all the things that are fine.”
When host Sean Moncrieff asked Byrne if he thought Kimmage is “damaging the reputation of rugby, perhaps unfairly”, the former Leinster man responded: “Well no, I wouldn’t say that. I’m kind of caught with Paul.
“I’m just a little upset with him that he’s leaving it so broad because he’s respected for what he’s done before, for what he’s found before.
“A lot of people, like me, were saying, ‘really?’. And he found out that it was right.
“And if he is right, then let’s go for it. Get them out of here as fast and hard as we can. But don’t leave it so broad, you know what I mean … don’t just throw everything into the file.
“Be very specific. We’re talking about steroid abuse, blood-doping. That’s what we’re talking about here.
“And if he’s saying there’s a culture of that in Ireland, then let’s get the proof out there and let’s get hunting this people.
Of the plausibility that a doping culture exists within Ireland, Byrne said: “That’s just not what we do. It’s just not accepted.” He added: “If it’s there and I don’t know about it, get the evidence and stamp the bloody thing out.”
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