Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi’s B sample has tested positive for banned substances, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport said Friday. It was disclosed last weekend that the 2018 Rugby World Breakthrough Player of the Year had tested positive after a Springbok training camp in July.
Dyantyi, who missed out on a chance of selection for the Rugby World Cup in Japan this month because of a hamstring injury, insisted he had not taken any banned substance and requested a B sample test.
“I want to deny ever taking any prohibited substance, intentionally or negligently, to enhance my performance on the field,” he said after the A sample result was disclosed. “I have never cheated and never will. The presence of this prohibited substance in my body has come as a massive shock to me.”
The 24-year-old winger from the Golden Lions club in Johannesburg can accept the charge and plea for a reduced sanction or appeal before an independent tribunal panel. Should he plead not guilty, there will be a hearing within four weeks and Dyantyi must provide evidence that proves his innocence.
