Second doping offence lands ex-sa hooker Ralepelle an eight-year ban

Former South Africa hooker Mahlatse Ralepelle has been handed an eight-year ban after testing positive for steroids.

The 33-year-old former Sharks and Springboks frontrower, nicknamed ‘Chiliboy’, was found guilty of a second doping offence in his career, following a ruling from South Africa’s Independent Doping Tribunal Panel.

The 25-cap forward became the first black player to captain South Africa in a 2008 clash against a World XV though the match was not a full Test.

South Africa’s Institute for Drug-free Sport issued its decision yesterday but the positive test dated back to January 2019.

“The player tested positive for the banned anabolic agent, Zeranol, during an outof-competition test on 17 January, 2019,” read the statement.

“The athlete challenged the doping charge and was afforded the opportunity to seek legal counsel to present his case and version of events to the tribunal panel. “The hearings were adjourned multiple times and were held over a period of six months.

“Ralepelle [pictured] had previously tested positive on two separate occasions while playing overseas. “The Zeranol positive case was his third positive dope test during his playing career within a 10-year period, however the player’s first positive case was ruled a no-fault decision and he then received a reprimand.

“The panel had to refer to sports jurisprudence to determine the appropriate sanction which they ruled to be the player’s second doping offence.

“The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel ruled that Mr Ralepelle must serve an eightyear ban for doping. The ban will expire on 27 January, 2027. The player has 21 days within which to file an appeal.”