Rugby World Cup: Sacked South African-raised player left ‘shocked and devastated’ after doping ban
Hong Kong China celebrate their Rugby World Cup qualification and, inset, Luke van der Smit
First-time Rugby World Cup finalists Hong Kong China have admitted they have sacked their South African number eight Luke van der Smit following a failed drugs test four months ago.
Hong Kong China qualified for Australia 2027 with a 70-22 win over South Korea on July 5 in the Asia Rugby Championship.
The Namibian-born, South African-raised Van der Smit, who represented Western Province and Eastern Province before making a life in the Far East, came off the bench in that qualifier in Incheon to score his team’s 10th try.
However, 26 days after that victory booked Hong Kong China’s ticket to Australia, the Valley club No.8 was banned on July 31 from all rugby activity and is facing a four-year ban despite protesting his innocence.
“I value clean sport…”
In a statement, Van der Smit said: “I have been notified that I may have committed an anti-doping rule violation by World Rugby. I have never knowingly or intentionally used a prohibited substance. I always pride myself on my integrity, and I value clean sport.
“I am shocked and devastated by this news. I am treating this situation seriously and doing all that I can to cooperate with World Rugby and determine the source of the positive test.
“Representing Hong Kong China Rugby is the biggest honour of my rugby career, and I am disappointed that this has arisen at an important time for Hong Kong China Rugby and my teammates.
“I look forward to putting this behind me and being out on the field again. Out of respect for the process, I will not be commenting any further whilst the matter is ongoing.”
A separate union statement read: “Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) can confirm that World Rugby has contacted representative player Luke van der Smit concerning an anti-doping rule violation from a test this summer.
“HKCR fully support World Rugby’s anti-doping protocols and uphold the highest standards of integrity in our sport. It is the responsibility of every athlete to ensure they remain compliant with World Rugby’s anti-doping regulations.
“In accordance with World Rugby guidelines and the HKCR code of conduct, the player was immediately stood down from all rugby activities upon initial notification of this matter.
“Like all HKCR senior representative players, Mr Van der Smit has completed multiple anti-doping education programmes and processes mandated by HKCR and has committed to clean sport through our code of conduct.
“The player’s contract with HKCR has been terminated by mutual consent, pending the final resolution of this matter. Given the ongoing process between the athlete and World Rugby, HKCR will have no further comment.”
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