Elton Jantjies, flyhalf for the Springbok team, has tested positive for the prohibited substance Clenbuterol and now faces a possible suspension.
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Although Clenbuterol is typically favoured by bodybuilders for its fat-burning properties, the substance also offers relief for asthma sufferers. It acts as a bronchodilator by widening the airways, giving athletes a boost in stamina, News24 reports.
Jantjies released a statement on SuperSport in which he says that he was informed of a positive test that was provided to the South African Institute of Drug Free Sport in June. ‘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.
‘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.’
He also denies that he took the banned substance deliberately. ‘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.’
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Jantjies was part of the Springboks’ training group even though he failed to make the final Rugby World Cup squad. He lost his place in the group after off-field incidents, after which he joined French second-division club Pau.
He was a surprise choice as injury cover earlier this year when the Springbok training group was announced. However, he never played any matches for the team and was released when the Final World Cup was announced.
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Picture: @eltonjantjies / Instagram
