The Springboks, SA Rugby and World Rugby have a zero tolerance policy towards illegal substances and performance enhancing drugs.
One of the most frustrating things to see is a players career prematurely destroyed. Albeit, through a career-ending injury or a long-term ban.
It is the latter, that has now resulted in not one but TWO Rugby World Cup winning Springboks being served FOUR-year long bans.
SPRINGBOKS RWC-WINNING DUO BANNED FOR FOUR YEARS
Former Springboks wing, Sbu Nkosi has been handed a four-year ban.
This, after testing positive for the use of an anabolic steroid used by body builders.
“His A-sample had reportedly tested positive for the use of anabolic steroids which is mainly used by bodybuilders,” the statement read on New Zealand publication, Stuff.
Furthermore, his B sample came back positive. Therefore, the former Springbok has been banned by SARugby for four years. Meanwhile, he is the second Springboks player (now former) who has recently tested positive for banned substances.
Meanwhile, former Springboks flyhalf, Elton Jantjies was also handed a four-year ban. In fact, he tested positive for the banned substance, Clebuteral.
PROMISING CAREERS DESTROYED BY STEROIDS
Therefore, both men have thrown away four years after truly promising careers.
Firstly, Jantjies was SA’s Vodacom SuperRugby Player of the Season. Whilst, prior to Nkosi’s mental health challenges he was one of the most athletic and skillful players in SA Rugby. Most noticeably, he filled in for Cheslin Kolbe during the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales.
Moreover, he also represented the Sharks and Bulls before his brief stint with the Cheetahs was cut short due to his test results. Interesting, both players careers started to decline just months before they tested positive. Jantjies was involved in a series of off-field scandals. Additionally, Nkosi went missing before revealing he needed a mental health break.