Elton Jantjies’ claims dismissed by South African doping organisation
South Africa’s Elton Jantjies during the rugby union international match between Wales and South Africa at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) have dismissed claims by Springbok fly-half Elton Jantjies that he is set to return to professional rugby “sooner than you think”.
Jantjies received a four-year suspension from SAIDS after testing positive for a banned substance – clenbuterol – in August 2023 but failed to exercise his right to have his case heard before an Independent Doping Hearing Panel in January this year.
Posted a cryptic video
On Sunday, the 33-year-old, who was part of the Boks‘ squad when they won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, posted a cryptic video posted on his Instagram account in which he said he has facts and evidence against “a lot of organisations” that tested him and maintained his innocence.
“A lot of people have a lot of questions in terms of my rugby career but just know that I will be back sooner than what you guys think,” said Jantjies.
“Through all the research, through all the facts, through all the evidence and people involved, a lot of organisations involved in me being tested [positive] for something that I’ve never used.
“I’ll elaborate a bit more on me missing my second World Cup, but I’m not negative about it because, for me, I’m preparing myself for much more – much bigger.
“Obviously, I’ve got a few things that I need to sort out, but I’m very positive, and I truly believe these couple of months are a blessing in disguise.”
However, SAIDS’ chief executive Khalid Galant dismissed Jantjies’ claims and said nothing has changed regarding his case.
“Whatever is spread on social media will stay there. The matter has been settled,” Galant told Netwerk24.
Disgraced Springbok Elton Jantjies claims he will be ‘back soon’ in cryptic video
Jantjies received his suspension in early December 2023. He then had 21 days to request an appeal hearing, but failed to do so.
He is adamant that he did not use clenbuterol.
“When I’m back on the rugby field, there will be a different version of the Elton you know,” he said in his video.
“There are many people who support me and believe with me that I will be back on the field faster than you think. I have all the right answers, facts and evidence. There are many organisations that are not doing things the right way.”
Although he did not specify which organisations he was referring to it could be assumed that Jantjies was speaking about SAIDS and SA Rugby.
Involved in other scandals
Jantjies’ doping issue followed several other scandals involving the former Lions playmaker, including incidents of him damaging an aeroplane in flight as well as a well-publicised alleged affair with a Springbok team dietician in 2022.
“There are a few things I need to sort out, but I’m very positive and I strongly believe that the last few months have been a blessing in disguise,” he added in his video.
“Because yes, I want to play rugby and do what I love, but it has created opportunities for me and provided answers in my personal life and rugby career.
“There are many people I looked up to who have disappointed me deeply.”