[imagesource:sarugby]

Elton Jantjies received a four-year ban from rugby following his suspension for the use of a prohibited substance. However, in a shocking turn of events, the embattled rugby player may just have found a loophole to escape his sentence.

He was banned from rugby after testing positive for Clenbuterol, which is described as a fat-burning and asthma medication that also enhances stamina. It is used by many bodybuilders to lose weight and produce muscle.

The Springbok flyhalf returned a positive result for this banned substance after being tested by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport in June while he was part of the Bok setup.

Jantjies released a statement suggesting this has all been a misunderstanding:

“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,” he said, adding “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.”

If Jantjies, who is 33 years old now, serves the full length of the ban, his career will almost certainly be over.

However, in a shocking twist, reports have now revealed that he could still make a return to professional rugby thanks to a little-known loophole, per The South African.

Since the World Anti-Doping Agency suspended the accreditation of the South African Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein – the lab that produced the results that led to Jantjies’ ban – the positive tests may no longer be deemed legitimate, which could serve as a way for Jantjies to get back in the game.

Jantjies has been showing off his fitness routine, persistently trying to present as someone who is in high spirits and keeping in good shape, probably in the hopes of righting his career path.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Elton Jantjies (@eltonjantjies)

According to a report by Rugby Pass, Jantjies’ former team, the Lions, are even considering signing him up if he can return to action far sooner than expected.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Elton Jantjies (@eltonjantjies)

Way to bounce back, boy. Unlike the still-suffering ‘Liefling van Loftus’ Derick Hougaard.

[source:southafrican]