Protecting clean competition: UK Anti-Doping reveals the most tested sports in its latest quarterly report

Testing Programme
2025
Infographic saying "number of tests, 1,994. Adverse Findings, 8. Whereabouts Failures, 5. Rule Violations, 4
  • UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) releases Quarter 1 testing data for 2025/26 (April to June 2025) showing consistent level of testing across more than 30 sports
  • The most tested sports in Quarter 1 were football, rugby union and league, athletics, cricket and boxing
  • 68% of all tests were conducted during the out-of-competition period

UKAD conducted 1,994 tests across more than 30 different sports between April and June 2025 (Quarter 1) - 68% of all tests were conducted out-of-competition. The results demonstrate the organisation's commitment to protecting clean competition across all levels of sport in the UK.

Football topped UKAD’s testing programme with 404 tests conducted in this period, followed by rugby union with 298, rugby league with 169, athletics with 188, cricket with 136, and boxing with 112. The programme covers elite team and individual sports, including Olympic and Paralympic sport. 

 

A graph shows number of tests completed in quarter 1 within the top 6 sports. Football had 404 tests conducted in this period, followed by rugby union with 298, rugby league with 169, athletics with 188, cricket with 136, and boxing with 112
A graph showing the number of tests in the top 6 most tested sports this quarter.

 

UKAD uses an intelligence-led approach to target testing where the risk of doping is highest. This means focusing resources on sports, athletes, and times when doping is most likely to occur. Over 4,000 tests have been conducted by UKAD across the last six months, with 2,073 tests in the previous quarter. 

UKAD's long-term testing strategy prioritises out-of-competition testing, recognising that athletes are more likely to take performance-enhancing or recovery-enhancing risks when not competing. This quarter reflected a continued commitment to this strategic approach. There were also four Anti-Doping Rule Violations announced.

Hamish Coffey, Director of Operations at UKAD said: 

“The consistent quarterly testing levels show the UK maintains one of the world's most comprehensive anti-doping programmes. Our intelligence-led, risk-based approach to testing ensures we focus resources where and when it matters most to protect clean athletes. 

“This vital work is only possible thanks to the dedication of our Doping Control Personnel, who work tirelessly to ensure fair competition for all athletes.”

UKAD's testing programme protects athlete welfare, maintains public confidence in sport, and ensures fair competition.

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