Reports: Banned Springboks wing targets comeback with Sharks

Banned Springboks wing Aphiwe Dytantyi could soon be set for a career lifeline, three years after being suspended from all rugby.

Dyantyi was given a four-year ban from all forms of the game in December 2020 after testing positive to illegal performance-enhancing substances in July 2019.

However, while the 13-test international’s suspension won’t lapse until next August, he is free to train with teams six months before the end of his ban.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 13

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 13

That means Dyantyi will be available to link up with teams in a training capacity from next February, and recent reports out of South Africa have linked him with a move to the Sharks.

According to Independent Online, Dyantyi’s move to the Sharks looks “increasingly certain” following the departure of fellow Springboks wing Sbu Nkosi to the Bulls.

That report follows news from Rapport last month that the former Lions flyer has already relocated to Durban, where he is reportedly working and training ahead of an anticipated comeback in the United Rugby Championship.

Dyantyi’s ban from the rugby world came on the back of a debut international campaign in which he started in all 13 of South Africa’s tests in 2018 and went on to be crowned World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

The last of his test appearances came against Wales in Cardiff during South Africa’s 2018 end-of-year tour, but the 27-year-old outlined is intent on returning to action in an Instagram post published in February.

“This year marks three years out of the game. A very challenging three years coupled with tears, rebuilding, love and laughter,” Dyantyi wrote.

“A trial and error period in my life, but two business projects down the line, I wouldn’t change anything about my life journey. The support has been both heartwarming and humbling (THANK YOU).

“I find myself in a privileged position of building beyond rugby and focusing on getting back on the field, and get back I will…

“I’m only getting started…”