Shock as Wales and South Africa internationals test positive for banned substances

South Africa fly-half Elton Jantjies and Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb have both been provisionally suspended after they tested positive for drugs.

Both players are currently with French Pro D2 clubs, with Jantjies at Agen and Webb recently signing for Biarritz.

Jantjies confirmed in a statement that a sample provided to the SA Institute of Drug Free Sport in June returned an adverse result for Clenbuterol, which helps with weight loss.

“Shock and sadness”

“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,” it read.

“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.”

Jantjies insists that he is innocent and will vow to clear his name if the B-sample is also positive.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

An SA Rugby statement read: “SA Rugby has noted the statement issued on behalf of Elton Jantjies and confirms it was advised of the adverse finding. A regulated process is now in train which we are bound to respect and allow to run its course without further comment or speculation.”

Not long after Jantjies confirmed that he had failed a drugs and it was revealed by French outlet L’Equipe that Webb had also returned a positive test.

Biarritz president Jean-Baptiste Aldigé stated that a sample provided on July 14 returned an adverse result for a growth hormone.

Letter received on Monday

“Rhys came to me on Monday and he showed me the letter from the French Anti-Doping Agency,” Aldigé told MailSport.

“The letter said Rhys was positive for some products. He has to attend a meeting on Monday with them. It’s not a court hearing. At this stage, he is not guilty.

“The meeting is just to explain the results. As club president, I am waiting for the result. The test result was last Monday. The test was on July 14.

“Rhys was the one to receive the test results. As a club, we are not involved. After the meeting on Monday, the decision will be made whether to go to court or not.

“As soon as you get a strange result, you are provisionally suspended as a player.”

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