Former Springbok Elton Jantjies takes up coaching
Former Springbok Elton Jantjies had allegedly tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol, with the flyhalf subsequently suspended for four years.
Last year it was confirmed that former Springbok Elton Jantjies, who is now 33 years old, had allegedly tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol, with the flyhalf subsequently suspended for four years.
There was some initial talk that he might appeal the decision, but this never seemed to materialise, and the suspension always seemed set to bring an ignominious end to his career.
Over the latter parts of his once celebrated career, Jantjies found himself at the centre of several controversial stories, including allegations of an affair with the Springboks’ team dietician.
Yet, on social media, Jantjies has continued to present a figure of someone who is in high spirits and keeping in shape with the hopes of possibly reigniting a career of some sort.
This past week, though, he confirmed that he was taking up what is likely to be a part-time coaching role.
“I am joining the Rugga School as a kicking coach and the new attack coach. I am really looking forward to the opportunity and can’t wait to share my experience and my knowledge with the kids… That’s our next generation,” Jantjies said.
According to their website, the description of Rugga School reads as follows: “an all-year-round rugby academy driven to develop and condition the skills of young players. We focus on perfecting technique, skill development and psychological self-improvement”.
“I have been thinking a lot about the new opportunity that occurred, joining the Rugga Schools. It’s something that I wanted to do post-rugby, but obviously, now that I have a little bit of time to sort out my things, I think [I can] use this time [here] and work with the Rugga School,” the former Springbok flyhalf added.
NO IMMEDIATE COMEBACK FOR FORMER SPRINGBOK ELTON JANTJIES
Despite this coaching role, it shouldn’t be forgotten that there was recent talk that Jantjies could escape serving his ‘doping ban’ due to the fact that the World Anti-Doping Agency was apparently preparing to suspend the accreditation of the South African Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein.
This was the laboratory that produced the results that led to Jantjies’ ban, and it could now provide a loophole for him to exploit if the positive tests are no longer deemed to be legitimate.
Furthermore, according to a report by Rugby Pass, Jantjies’ former team, the Lions, were considering signing up the playmaker if he is able to return to action far sooner than expected.
THE FLYHALF PREVIOUSLY RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AFTER LEARNING OF HIS BAN
“It with no small amount of shock and sadness that I have to inform you that I received notification, from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, that a urine sample that I had provided to them in June 2023, returned a positive test for a banned substance, Clenbuterol,” his statement read at the time.
“I have instructed legal representation to assist me in determining the source of the prohibited substance and I have instructed them to ask for my B Sample to be tested and to launch an inquiry into the possible causes for the positive test.
“At this stage I can say little more about the matter, save that I assure all my supporters that I have not and never will deliberately take a banned substance, and that I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence.
“This is another setback in what has been a very volatile time for me, but I shall overcome this with the support of my family and friends. I know that there will be those out there who doubt my innocence, but I hope to prove you wrong, in due course. For those who support me, thank you.”