Grobler doping offence a thing of the past, says team-mate O’Mahony

PETER O’MAHONY says Munster’s players stand behind doper Gerbrandt Grobler.

The second-row, who could make his senior debut for the Irish province in their crucial European Champions Cup pool decider against Castres on Sunday, served a twoyear ban from 2014 to 2016 after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

The 25-yearold South African (right) admitted his guilt and served his ban, returning to the sport with Racing 92 last season. He played against Munster in last season’s meeting between the sides, before joining the Irish province on a one-year deal last summer.

He has yet to make a senior appearance having injured his ankle in the pre-season friendly against Worcester.

He was available for selection for the first time last week and played for the ‘A’ side against Nottingham on Friday and since recovering from surgery his presence in the squad has been the subject of much discussion since coach Johann van Graan spoke about him last week.

“As far as we’re concerned he’s done his time,” O’Mahony said.

“As far as I’m concerned, Munster signed him, he’d played 20 games or whatever for Racing then we signed him obviously on good terms, good references that we got, obviously, as we do for all our signings. “He’s come here and he’s struggled with injury but he has been a great guy to have around the place.

“He’s working very diligently on his rehab and he’s struggled a little bit mentally at times with that, because he obviously wants to come and play, which is what every rugby players wants to do.

“As for as me and the other players are concerned, he’s been great for us and we’ll certainly stand by him.

“As far as we’re concerned he’s done his time and that’s the end of it.”

O’Mahony is Munster’s main injury doubt for Sunday’s pivotal clash after he injured his ankle against Racing 92 but van Graan hopes he’ll recover in time.