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It’s certainly been a busy few weeks for SA Rugby and those responsible for putting out media statements.

We probably don’t need to rehash the Elton Jantjies and Zeenat Simjee saga. Suffice it to say it would have caused headaches for the communications team and also for the players, who don’t need distractions towards the tail-end of the Rugby Championship.

While we readied ourselves for stage six load shedding and watching the Bokke by candlelight, another bombshell set of allegations emerged.

SA Rugby Mag first reported on an upcoming story regarding alleged cocaine use in the Springbok camp:

SARugbymag.co.za understands that Sunday newspaper Rapport is ready to publish a story that alleges several Springboks have tested positive for cocaine.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed that SA Rugby is seeking a legal interdict to stop the story which it believes has no foundation.

In response to that story, SA Rugby put out an official statement, saying the organisation was “aware that unsubstantiated allegations of failed tests for recreational drugs” had come to light.

There was thinly-veiled contempt for the initial reports, too:

Disappointingly, these allegations have already appeared online despite the absence of any evidence to support them.

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.

The statement went on to say that the timing of the allegations being made public was far from ideal:

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 build-up 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.

Despite dealing with that in the lead-up to the test, the Springboks came out firing and dominated the first half.

A spirited fightback by the Pumas saw them get within two points before two late tries secured the bonus point win for the away side.

That draws us level with the All Blacks atop the Rugby Championship table, although their points difference is superior by 13 points.

At least the All Blacks play the Wallabies on Saturday morning, meaning we will go into our match against the Pumas (5:05PM kickoff) that evening knowing exactly what needs to be done.

Back to the allegations, and coach Jacques Nienaber didn’t hold back in the press conference following the match.

He also questioned the timing:

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber discusses the camp reaction to the drug abuse reports circulating today. pic.twitter.com/7VL0RCfos6

— Stephen Pettitt (@SteviePSport) September 17, 2022

On social media, there was a great deal of ire directed towards SA Rugby Mag.

Boycott @SARugbymag
Block this gutter site https://t.co/5CD67B0VTo

— 🗿 Angelo Zack 🗿 (@OldManZack) September 17, 2022

SA Rugby Mag rolled the dice and it didn’t work out. Guys at Rapport should pay them commission. I am sure their sales went through the roof. The world was tuning in for the Narcos finale

— Dane Galley (@DaneGalley) September 18, 2022

Popular account Oom Rugby semi-joked about buying the outlet:

hey guys , how about this. maybe we can buy SA Rugby Mag and reclaim it. any good business people who can help us do it ? i will be editor 😂💪🏻

— Oom Rugby (@Oom_Rugby) September 18, 2022

Unless some actual facts come to light sooner rather than later, it looks like a great deal of egg to the face for those who chose to run with the story in the first place.

[sources:sarugbymag&sarugby]