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Springbok Coach Jacques Nienaber “STUNNED”

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Kolisi, Nienaber, Marx and Allende celebrate Springbok Victory in Argentina – Nienaber is “stunned” over allegations of recreational drug abuse by players.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, captain Siya Kolisi, hooker Malcolm Marx and centre Damian de Allende hosted a media conference on Saturday following the team’s 36-20 victory against Argentina in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship in Buenos Aires.

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The build-up to the Rugby Championship Round Five outing between the Springboks and Los Pumas in Argentina was overshadowed by the Elton Jantjies saga and on matchday yesterday by allegations of drug abuse.

SARU (the South African Rugby Union) moved swiftly to squash the rumours that ‘several’ Springboks had tested positive for the use of illicit drugs

Online media outlets reported on Saturday that Sunday newspaper Rapport was ready to publish an article that alleges several Boks tested positive for cocaine.

According to the website, unnamed sources confirmed that SARU was seeking a legal interdict to stop the story – which they believe has no foundation.

SARU responded with a strongly-worded statement denying the allegations saying:

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 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.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.