Former Bok skipper handed eight-year doping ban

NEWS: A Springbok’s career is officially over.

Former Bok hooker and captain Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle, 33, received an eight-year ban for doping.

The ban was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday from the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport.

“The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel handed down its decision in two parts this week on the doping charge against former Springbok and Sharks rugby player, Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle.” said the statement.

“The player tested positive for the banned anabolic agent, Zeranol, during an out-of-competition test on the 17th January 2019.

“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 offense.

“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 offense.

“The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel ruled that Mr Ralepelle must serve an eight-year ban for doping. The ban will expire on the 27th January 2027. The player has 21 days within which to file an appeal against the sanction.”

In 2006 Ralepelle made history when becoming the first black player – and the youngest – to captain the national team in a match against the World XV at Walkers Stadium in Leicester.

Meanwhile, Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi is expected to lean his fate soon.

At the end of August last year, Dyantyi’s B-sample has tested positive for “performance-enhancing substances”.

According to a report this week the 2018 World Breakthrough Player of the Year is set to face disciplinary proceedings within the next two months.