Springbok coach rocked by drug scandal floating in the squad
This scandal has even rocked the Springbok coach to which he questions the timing of this alleged scandal after the Argentina game on Saturday.
Coming out of their 36-20 victory over Los Pumas in Buenos Aires, the Springbok management were rocked by the latest scandal now surfacing within the squad.
According to SA Rugby Mag, Bok coach Jacques Nienaber was shocked to hear the reports coming out from the Sunday newspaper 'Rapport' that allege Springbok players have tested positive for recreational drug use.
Read more: Drama continues to follow Springbok star Elton Jantjies
This is on the back of the Boks needing to win their last game of the Rugby Championship if they have any chance of pipping their rivals New Zealand for the title.
SA Rugby has made a statement. They have lashed out at “unsubstantiated allegations” claiming drug abuse in the SA camp.
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
According to SA Rugby Magazine, management at SA Rugby was trying to seek a legal interdict to stop Rapport from publishing the story.
The story alleges several Boks have tested positive for cocaine.
Read more: Springboks beat Argentina to top Rugby Championship
After the match against Argentina on Saturday, Nienaber was faced by the media with the reports of the scandal surrounding the Bok squad.
“From my side, it was quite disturbing especially the timing of it. Five hours before a big Test match like this and it’s a ‘semi-final for us, you know, I’m stunned," says Nienaber.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also commented about the game and how the boys showed focus.
"We pulled together, that’s what we had to do. This game was important for us. We want to win the Championship and we have to show Argentina the respect that they deserved," says Kolisi.
“I don’t know of any player who has been told he has tested positive out of my team, so yeah …"
This is on the back of the Elton Jantjies scandal that initially rocked the squad before the match in Argentina.
In case you might have missed the news, according to Rapport, Jantjies was reportedly seen entertaining the Springboks’ dietician Zeenat Simjee at two different guesthouses.
WATCH: Springbok World Cup winner Elton Jantjies arrested at OR Tambo
This happened during the week leading up to the Springboks’ first Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks in Mbombela a month ago.
The reports confirm that the Springbok player didn't stay in the same hotel as the rest of his team-mates or management.
Both Janjtjies and Simjee have issued statements surrounding the scandal.
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Main image attribution: PATRICK HAMILTON