South Africa’s Dyantyi fails drug test at training camp

South Africa wing Aphiwe Dyantyi, World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year, has tested positive for a banned substance.

Dyantyi could face a two-year suspension following the test, on July 2 at a Springbok training camp.

The 24-year-old denies wrongdoing and has requested his B sample be analysed. “I want to deny ever taking any prohibited substance, intentionally or negligently to enhance my performance on the field,” Dyantyi said in a statement.

“I have never cheated and never will. The presence of this prohibited substance in my body has come as a massive shock, and together with my management team and experts appointed by them, we are doing everything we can to get to the source of this and to prove my innocence.

“As a professional sportsman on national and international level, we get tested on a regular basis. I have been tested before and again, since this test. Taking any prohibited substance would be irresponsible and something that I would never intentionally do.”

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus is due to announce his World Cup squad tomorrow, but was not considering Dyantyi because of a hamstring problem.

The Golden Lions player said he had had a test on June 15, which did not return a positive finding.

“I want to apologise to my teammates, management, my friends and my family for the negative impact this news may have,” he added.

Dyantyi has played 13 Tests for the Boks since his debut last year, scoring six tries to become the first South African to win World Rugby’s award for emerging talent.