South Africans Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson are suspended for failing drugs test
South African hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle and winger Bjorn Basson have been suspended and sent home after the two players failed a drugs test following the Springboks 21-23 victory over Ireland on Saturday 6 November.
The South African Rugby Union was notified on Sunday 14 November that the two players had failed a drugs test after traces of methylhexaneamine were found in samples.
The substance is listed as an illegal stimulant by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
South African coach Peter De Villiers expressed his concern that the whole squad may have taken the substance accidentally and samples of the team’s energy drinks have been sent for testing.
Speaking to South African broadcaster’s Supersport, De Villiers said, "We don't want to put the players at risk. If there is something that we are taking as a squad that might have caused this then we must find that out now."
Both players featured in South Africa’s 25-29 win over Wales on Saturday 13 November.
Basson started the match, while Ralepelle featured in the last few minutes of the Test as a substitute.
Basson was set to return to South Africa as he injured his ankle in the win over Wales. The winger featured against Ireland and won his fourth cap while on the tour.
Ralepelle will also fly home. The hooker has won 17 caps for the Springboks and was expected to feature against Scotland.
The news will add to De Villiers' problems ahead of Tests with Scotland and England. The South African coach already has an injury crisis and the Springboks started their tour missing 13 players.
South Africa have yet to confirm whether they will call up any replacements for the remaining matches of the tour.
Basson and Ralepelle are expected to appeal against their suspension. The Springboks' doctor Craig Roberts believes that the tests may have turned out positive, as both players were taking medication for flu.
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