SA Rugby leadership has lambasted reports that Springbok players have tested positive for recreational drug use.
A statement from SA Rugby lashed out at “unsubstantiated allegations” claiming drug abuse in the Springbok camp.
“SA Rugby is aware that unsubstantiated allegations of failed tests for recreational drugs by Springbok players are circulating among members of the media,” said the statement. “Disappointingly, these allegations have already appeared online despite the absence of any evidence to support them.”
Sources confirmed that SA Rugby was seeking a legal interdict to stop Sunday newspaper Rapport from publishing a story that alleges several Springboks have tested positive for cocaine.
“SA Rugby has consistently advised all inquiring media that no such reports have been received by SA Rugby or any player from the only authority permitted to perform such tests, the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport. SA Rugby does not conduct its own tests,” read the Saru statement.
“Despite the absence of any such reports, players and management in Argentina have been contacted to ‘tell their story’, distracting and destabilising the entire camp in the buildup today’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
“SA Rugby wishes to repeat that it has no evidence of any adverse analytical findings for any kind of drug – be it performance enhancing or recreational – by Springbok players and regards the publication or the threat to publish such allegations as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the team’s preparations.”
ALSO READ: SA Rugby moves to silence Bok drugs report
This has all transpired during the week the world champions prepared for a must-win Rugby Championship clash with hosts Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday night.
The Springboks and Argentina are level on nine points each on the Rugby Championship log, but trail New Zealand by five points after the All Blacks snatched a last-minute victory over Australia in Melbourne on Thursday.
If the Springboks fail to win in Buenos Aires, it will almost certainly spell the end of their title challenge, as New Zealand are favourites to beat the Wallabies in the reverse Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland next weekend.
