BREAKING: Sharks confirm signing of Aphiwe Dyantyi!
In blockbuster news confirmed by the Sharks on Tuesday, the Durban-based side confirmed that they had welcomed Aphiwe Dyantyi to the Shark Tank just a few weeks before his four-year ban for doping comes to an end. “More than anything, I’m just excited to be back,” he commented. “I just trust that everyone is as […]
In blockbuster news confirmed by the Sharks on Tuesday, the Durban-based side confirmed that they had welcomed Aphiwe Dyantyi to the Shark Tank just a few weeks before his four-year ban for doping comes to an end.
“More than anything, I’m just excited to be back,” he commented. “I just trust that everyone is as excited as I am to see what I can do. I only promise to give my best to the jersey.
“I’ve been in Durban for quite some now and I’ve seen what the Sharks mean to the people. I just wanted to contribute to that, and I have seen the pride that the people have, and I would like to honour that in all that I do, and the fans to see that reflected in what I do on the field.”
At the beginning of last, Dyantyi – who is currently serving a four-year suspension related to banned substances – said he is focused on getting back to the game.
In 2019, and on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, Dyantyi was banned from all forms of the game after his mandatory B sample came back testing positive for three banned substances following a national training camp.
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According to the ruling handed down to Dyantyi, he was ‘banned from participating in sport from the date of 13th August 2019 [when he was provisionally suspended] to 12th August 2023’.
Notably, there are now just two months to go until Dyantyi could be available to play again, with his possible return set to come just before his 29th birthday.
Towards the end of last year, it had been reported that Dyantyi had moved to Durban where he is working and training in hopes of making a successful transition back to the game once his suspension is lifted.
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A group of supportive people are said to have been assisting Dyantyi after the hardship he endured following the shock suspension, and it’s now hoped that he could make a successful comeback to professional rugby.
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DYANTYI PREVIOUSLY EARNED 13 CAPS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
The 28-year-old is entering his final few months away from rugby, and in a previous social media post, he suggested he will aim to get back on the field.
“This year marks three years out of the game,” Dyantyi wrote in February 2022. “A very challenging three years coupled with tears, rebuilding, love and laughter.
“A trial and error period in my life, but two business projects down the line, I wouldn’t change anything about my life journey. The support has been both heartwarming and humbling (Thank You).
“I find myself in a privileged position of building beyond rugby and focusing on getting back on the field, and get back I will …
“I’m only getting started …”
Few will forget what an impact Dyantyi made during the start of his Springboks career, which was prematurely brought to a halt.