Elton Jantjies — who was called up for the Springboks earlier this year only to be dropped before the squad for the Rugby World Cup was named — has tested positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol.
He may face a ban, and unless he can prove his innocence, his future Test prospects look bleak at the age of 33. The drug is said to increase stamina but is also popular among body builders for its fat-burning properties.
“It 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,” Jantjies said in a statement sent to supersport.com.
“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.”
It is clear the Bok and former Lions stand-off is trying to distance himself from the positive result. Jantjies denied he deliberately took the substance and indicated he will fight to prove his innocence.
“At 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.
“This 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.”
Jantjies, who played the last of his 46 Tests in Adelaide against Australia last year, has in recent times courted controversy, mostly through off-field incidents.
Last year, he appeared in court on charges of contravening the Civil Aviation Act, before being sent home from the Springboks tour to Argentina after an alleged affair with a member of the support staff.
Jantjies joined French Second Division club Pau but was recalled to the Bok squad after the team suffered a shortage of fly-halves. He was, however, cut adrift before the RWC squad was named.
