Rugby Update: Ralepelle and Basson could face long-term ban
Springboks Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson, who have been suspended from all types of rugby after a positive dope test, are likely to face a long-term ban. The South Africa Rugby Union has confirmed that both the players are failed to clear 'B' samples
test as well.
The story goes that, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson were temporarily suspended from the Springboks’ squad on their recently concluded tour of British Isles and were sent back to South Africa, when a committee from World Anti-Doping Agency took the casual
dope test of the both players and they tested positive for banned substance methylhexaneamine. However, both the players had been saying that they are innocent, it is a big surprise for them as well, and it is totally unintentional as they never used prohibited
items.
A spokesman from South Africa Rugby Union, who was talking to media, confirmed the news and said their 'B' samples also produced the same result, which 'A' samples had been produced and both the players could not appeal against the testing procedure. South
Africa Rugby Union will conduct an investigation to look into the matter and a formal hearing will also take place in the next year, when whole investigation has been done. The date of the hearing and names of the committee members will be announced later.
The duration of possible ban is also not disclosed and it will be decided after the hearing.
Spokesman said, "Both players asked for their 'B' sample to be tested, which confirmed the findings of the 'A' sample. The players will not contest the testing procedures or related matters under the 2010 Autumn Internationals Anti-Doping Programme and
therefore the investigation and hearing will be conducted in South Africa.”
Both the suspended players, Ralepelle and Basson, also spoke to media after the result of 'B' samples test and said; the result of 'B' samples is really shocking and disappointed for them. They said the whole Springboks’ team used a same nutritional supplement
and they do not know how it happened. But both the players admitted that they were using some medicines to recover as they were seriously ill before the tour of British Isles and those medicines could be the reason of positive dope test.
Unquestionably, current situation is a huge set-back for South African rugby, which is under enormous amount of criticism after poor display on the recently concluded autumn internationals. Their many players are out from rugby and if Chiliboy Ralepelle
and Bjorn Basson also receive ban then it will be even tougher for Springboks to defend World Cup title.
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