ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham revealed his coaching staff was now subject to regular testing for recreational drugs, backing the decision to include coaches and players in testing and to be subjected to penalties.

World Cup-winning fly-half Larkham said Karmichael Hunt's case was "handled superbly" by the ARU, adding that the code-hopper deserved a second chance and that "baggage" from another code should not affect his goal of playing for the Wallabies.

The ARU began to toughen its stance of drugs last year after the ASADA cases against the NRL's Cronulla Sharks and AFL's Essendon Bombers.

Hunt's case then rocked Australian sport in February. The Queensland Reds playmaker pleaded guilty last week to four counts of cocaine possession and said his belief was that recreational drugs were a problem in society, not just sport.

The ARU already had its strengthened policies in place before Hunt arrived in the sport this season, from AFL club the Gold Coast Suns.

Larkham revealed he and his coaches were now taking part in regular testing for illicit drugs.

"We've had a number of discussions with the players and there's been a real crackdown on the back of what's happened in other codes," Larkham said. "Even coaches are getting tested now, staff are getting tested for illicit drugs.

"It's a firm stance ... but they're illicit drugs so it's appropriate. We've spoken about it and had three or four meetings [as a squad] about testing and illicit drugs.

"Karmichael's [cocaine charges] happened when he wasn't contracted to the ARU or Queensland, I think they handled it superbly and [illicit drugs] isn't a problem for rugby.

"I know that Wendell [Sailor] was playing rugby when he got tested and that was a blight on him and the sport. But we've got a fairly strong culture."

Brumbies players were called into a pre-season meeting organised by the ARU to give them information on recreational and performance enhancing drugs as rugby attempts to steer clear of off-field woes.

Hunt was charged by the Queensland Crime Commission just days after his Super Rugby debut in the Reds' 47-3 loss to the Brumbies in the opening round of the season. The charges related to incidents before Hunt started his rugby career with the Reds.

But the ARU fined the 28-year-old $30,000 and suspended him for six games, ruling him out of another clash against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium next weekend.

Larkham has been appointed as Australia's attack coach for this year's World Cup and Hunt has been on his radar as a potential Test player.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said on Friday he would still consider Hunt for a spot in Australia's World Cup squad. Larkham believes Hunt deserves a shot at redemption.

"I think you've got to give everyone a second chance," Larkham said.

"He's come to rugby union now and obviously he's brought a bit of baggage with him from the other code.

"But you've got to give the guy a fair go. He's lost his leadership role with the Reds, which will be disappointing for him.

"I like the way he started the season [against the Brumbies] and from all reports his work ethic and discipline is fantastic. So if he plays well, I don't think the door is closed for him."

The Brumbies will try to continue their unbeaten run against Australian opponents when they play the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

They showed grit and determination to beat the Western Force 27-15 at Canberra Stadium on Friday night as they target a drought-breaking Super Rugby title.