SARU reacts to Jantjies ban

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has broken its silence in the aftermath of Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies' ban.

The 33-year-old Springbok was handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.

The SA Institute of Drug-Free Sports (SAIDS) confirmed on Thursday that the former Lions flyhalf tested positive for  Clenbuterol.

Clenbuterol is a fat-burning and asthma medication that also enhances stamina.

While SARU is not able to comment on the player specifically, given that Jantjies is not contracted by the Union, CEO Rian Oberholzer said there is no place for doping in rugby.

"The South African Rugby Union wholly supports clean sport and maintains that there is absolutely no place in rugby for doping," Oberholzer told @rugby365com.

"We have trust in the processes and outcomes followed by the independent anti-doping agencies, whose job it is to support sports in keeping the game clean.”

Jantjies' legal team told @rugby365com they would appeal the case.

“Elton would prefer not to engage with the media,” the spokesperson stated.

“His legal team is working on the case/appeal.

“Yes, he is aware of the sanction.”

However, Khalid Galant, Chief Executive Officer of the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport, told the website that the window to appeal the case has expired.

“The ban is four years,” Gelant revealed to @rugby365com.

“The window period for an appeal has lapsed, so the four-year ban stands.”

According to SAIDS, the date of violation was June 23, 2023.

*ALSO READ: The Shocking reason for Jantjies’ absence 

Breaking: The end of Elton Jantjies