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Bok bombshell: Elton Jantjies issues statement as true cause of absence emerges

Elton Jantjies of South Africa arrives prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The real reason for Elton Jantjies’ departure from the Springbok team has been revealed. In a development that is likely to end his playing career, the 33-year-old South African confirmed that he tested positive for a banned substance.

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The revelation was contained in a statement Jantjies release through his lawyer Barend Kellerman.

A spate of injuries among the Bok flyhalves resulted in a call-up for Jantjies to the Rugby Championship training squad in June – as cover at No.10.

However, he neither made the final Rugby Championship nor the subsequent World Cup cut.

His absence was never adequately explained – until now.

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“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,” Jantjies said in a statement issued on Saturday.

“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.”

The 46-times capped Bok denied that he ever ‘deliberately’ took a banned substance.

“I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence.”

The latest development comes after a series of setbacks – including his arrest for causing damage on an international flight and returning home from the Bok camp after an alleged affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee.

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“This is another setback in what has been a very volatile time for me,” he said, adding: “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.”

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Comments

11 Comments
k
karin 345 days ago

Someone suggested that the spgingboxes should have been tested for drugs during the world cup . Mmmmm makes you think .

D
Danie 481 days ago

Elton vasbyt!!

W
Warner 483 days ago

My body building friends all use Clembuterol for bulk , and energy supply , all body builders use this drug.
Pointless b sample if it's clem you're a drug using cheat and deserve a lifetime ban.
Drug testing shud be done after every test match to both teams .

B
Burger 483 days ago

The dietician' revenge is, sweeeeeet........

B
Bob Marler 483 days ago

When you insist on playing the game on level hardest.

K
KiwiSteve 483 days ago

Talk about a train wreck, screw up after screw up and now this. Don’t know the facts so can’t comment on the current accusation. I guess my only question is why a 10 would feel the need to use potentially prohibited substances in the first place . A forward or bosher back I get it. My general assumption is that the sport is pretty clean these days except for the amateur boys in Wales where it’s rampant. That’s not rugby specific, it’s a culture thing in the valleys.

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