Elton Jantjies says he “fully understands and supports” the decision not to select him for the end-of-year tour.
The flyhalf was sent home from Argentina last month after reported accusations of, among other things, having an affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee.
On Tuesday, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus explained why Jantjies would not tour Europe with the Springboks in November.
“He hasn’t played any rugby [since leaving the squad in Argentina], so for us to be able to select him currently … we just haven’t seen him play.
“What we would love to do is just compare him to the other flyhalves on pure form, but unfortunately we couldn’t do that on Elton because he hasn’t played since.”
READ: Door always open for Elton – Rassie
Jantjies addressed his omission in a lengthy Instagram post on Friday.
“Given the wide reporting regarding my omission from the Springbok squad and clarification from the coaching staff that I was not up for selection for the November tour, I would like to place it on record that I fully understand [and] support the decision,” he wrote.
“The fact of the matter is that I have not played rugby since the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and that, in the last few weeks, I have kept to my public and personal promise to seek professional help and focus on my mental health to ensure that I get my personal life and career back on track. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
“I’ve been training throughout, and I’m in a good space mentally and physically.
“I have received fantastic support from a therapeutic team with whom I have been working closely to ensure that my personal welfare remains my top focus and priority, and I know it will require hard work and a huge effort to remain on this path.
“However, I’m fully committed and hope to return to the rugby field as a better man and player.
“I have no doubt this decision will benefit me personally, my rugby career, my family, and SA’s faithful rugby supporters. Thanks, Elton Jantjies.”
READ: Goosen in poll position as Bok 10
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