S/African W/Cup winner banned four years for doping

By Mark Ogagan

Former South Africa fly-half Elton Jantjies has been handed a four-year ban after failing a drugs test.

Jantjies – who was part of the Springboks squad that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup by beating England in the final – tested positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol in June 2023.

Clenbuterol is a substance best known for helping weight loss, which bodybuilders often use to cut weight and increase muscle mass.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sports (SAIDS) announced Jantjies’ ban on Thursday morning after declaring on their website that there was a ‘Presence of Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Makers in an Athlete’s Sample.’

Jantjies opted not to have his case heard by an independent doping panel, but a spokesperson confirmed his lawyers are now considering the next steps to take in the case.

‘Elton would prefer not to engage with the media and his legal team are working on the case/appeal. Yes he is aware of the sanction,’ the statement read.

Jantjies previously vowed to prove his innocence after being made aware of his failed drugs test back in August.

His lengthy statement read: ‘It with no small amount of shock and sadness that I have to inform you that I received notification earlier this month, from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, that a urine sample that I had provided to them in June 2023, returned a positive test for a banned substance, Clenbuterol.

‘I have instructed legal representation to assist me in determining the source of the prohibited substance and I have instructed them to ask for my B Sample to be tested and to launch an inquiry into the possible causes for the positive test.

‘I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence. This is another setback in what has been a very volatile time for me. I shall overcome this with the support of my family and friends.

‘I know that there will be those out there who doubt my innocence, but I hope to prove you wrong, in due course. For those who support me, thank you.’

Jantjies earned 46 caps for South Africa between 2012 and 2022, playing a key role in a hugely successful period in the nation’s rugby history.