World Rugby has just tested three Springboks for banned substances. Namely, anabolic steroids. There is some good and really bad news with the results now back.
Siya Kolisi (l), Sbusiso Nkosi (c) and Aphiwe Dyantyi of South Africa celebrates victory during the international rugby match between South Africa and England at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein on 16 June 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Three Springboks have been tested for banned substances with good and really bad news coming out of these results.
World Rugby recently tested THREE Springboks for illegal/banned substances.
Unfortunately, one of the three players, a Rugby World Cup winner, has tested positive and he is set to face a FOUR year ban.
SPRINGBOK RWC-WINNER TESTS POSITIVE FOR STEROIDS
Springbok speedster and 2019 RWC winner, Sub Nkosi has tested positive for steroids.
Nkosi recently signed for the Toyota Cheetahs. However, he was left out of the team named to face the Bulls in the Currie Cup. Furthermore, he was left out of the team after testing positive for an anabolic steroid used by body builders, according to Rapport.
Meanwhile, he is one of three Springboks tested by World Rugby a couple of months ago, as reported on The South African. However, the names of the other two players have not been disclosed. Irrespective, the good news is that no other player has tested positive for any steroids or banned substances.
WORLD RUGBY HAS ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS STEROIDS
World Rugby and rugby as a whole is dedicated to ensuring that all players are 100% natural.
Meaning, the usage of PED’s (performance enhancing drugs) such as anabolic steroids are completely prohibited. Therefore, if Nkosi’s B-sample comes back with the same result, he will be banned for four years. Furthermore, this is usually the case with B-samples.
Therefore, former Springboks winger, Nkosi, is likely to face a four year ban from all rugby.
Recently, Elton Jantjies was served a four-year ban after testing positive for Clenbuterol. Meanwhile, Aphiwe Djantji has just returned from his lengthy ban that saw him miss both Rugby World Cups. SA Rugby stands firmly against the use of steroids and performance enhancing drugs in rugby from Springboks level all the way down to school and club rugby.