Rugby
It was quite disturbing, especially the timing of it - Nienaber─── MORGAN PIEK 07:41 Mon, 19 Sep 2022
The Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, has rubbished reports that some of his team members tested positive for recreational drugs.
Just hours before the Springboks beat Argentina 36-20 in Buenos Aires in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, a report emerged that some players tested positive for the use of cocaine.
SA Rugby immediately sent out a strongly worded statement condemning the reports.
“SA Rugby is aware that unsubstantiated allegations of failed tests for recreational drugs by Springbok players are circulating among members of the media.
“Disappointingly, these allegations have already appeared online despite the absence of any evidence to support them.
“SA Rugby has consistently advised all inquiring media that no such reports have been received by SA Rugby or any player from the only authority permitted to perform such tests, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport. SA Rugby does not conduct its own tests.
“Despite the absence of any such reports, players and management in Argentina have been contacted to 'tell their story', distracting and destabilising the entire camp in the build-up to today’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
“SA Rugby wishes to repeat that it has no evidence of any adverse analytical findings for any kind of drug – be it performance enhancing or recreational – by Springbok players and regards the publication or the threat to publish such allegations as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the team’s preparations.”
Nienaber in his turn questioned the timing and the evidence of the report.
“From my side, it was quite disturbing, especially the timing of it. Five hours before a big Test match which amounts to a semi-final,” said Nienaber straight after the win against Argentina.
“I'm literally stunned that allegations of that nature can be made about this team.
“We're tested, like any other team, regularly. Sometimes it's even three times a week in South Africa. There hasn't been one positive test since we've been together this whole year.
“The whole thing has been very disappointing.”
On Saturday the Springboks will tackle the Pumas at Kings’ Park in Durban in the last Rugby Championship Test of the season.
