Another SA rugby player cops heavy doping ban
NEWS: The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) loose forward Liam Santos has been handed a three-year ban after testing positive for prohibited anabolic steroids.
The former Grey College pupil was tested on 20 February 2026 before the Varsity Shield Tournament, which Wits went on to win emphatically.
According to the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Santos tested positive for Drostanolone Metabolite (2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one) and Dehydrochloromethyl Testosterone Metabolite (4a-chloro-18-nor-17b-hydroxymethyl-17a-methyl-5a-androst-13-en-3a-ol).
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According to experts, Drostanolone Metabolite is often used to increase lean muscle, improve strength, and reduce body fat.
Meanwhile, the Dehydrochloromethyl Testosterone Metabolite remains in the body for long periods and has been used to support recovery after major injuries.
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Both substances are prohibited at all times (in and out of competition) in terms of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) prohibited list of 2026.
Santos was initially handed a sanction of four years, which was reduced to three years after he admitted to the violation under Article 10.8.1 of the SAIDS Rules.
The ban began on 24 April 2026 after he was notified of his mandatory provisional suspension and will be effective until 23 April 2029.
Santos did not exercise his right to have the case heard before an Independent Doping Hearing Panel (IDHP); hence, a written decision was issued in terms of Article 8.3 of the SAIDS Anti-Doping Rules 2021.
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