Eight-year ban for Springbok third-time doper
Former Springbok hooker Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle received an eight-year ban for doping on Wednesday, effectively ending his rugby career.
In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday morning‚ the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) said the Independent Doping Tribunal Panel had handed down its decision in two parts this week on the doping charge against Ralepelle.
“The player tested positive for the banned anabolic agent Zeranol during an out-of-competition test on January 17.
“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.
“The panel reached a decision first on the merits of the case where they found the player guilty of a doping offence‚” Saids said.
This is the third positive dope test for Ralepelle, who was tested in a random check at the Sharks in 2019.
“Ralepelle 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 Ralepelle must serve an eight-year ban for doping, which will expire on January 27 2027.
He has 21 days within which to file an appeal against the sanction.