Bok flyhalf Elton Jantjies provisionally suspended after positive drugs test

By SABC Sport
26th August 2023

Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance.

Jantjies, who currently plies his trade at French club Agen and recently missed out on making South Africa's World Cup squad, confirmed in a statement that a sample provided to the SA Institute of Drug Free Sport in June returned an adverse result for Clenbuterol, which helps with weight loss.

œIt is 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, it read.

œI 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.

Jantjies insists that he is innocent and will vow to clear his name if the B-sample is also positive.

œAt this stage I can say little more about the matter, save that I assure all my supporters that I have not and never will deliberately take a banned substance, and that I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence, he added.

œThis is another setback in what has been a very volatile time for me, but 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.

In a short statement released later on Saturday, SA Rugby said it had noted Jantjies' statement and would allow the "process" to run its course "without further comment or speculation".