Our British colleagues from the Telegraph reveal that anti-doping controls in South Africa are six times fewer than ten years ago. Knowing that it is the country with the most players convicted of doping and that in the meantime the Springboks have won two World Cups, this figure can only raise questions…
The Telegraph is throwing a wrench into the pond with this investigation into the fight against doping in South Africa. The figures are striking: controls are six times fewer than ten years ago even though it is the country with the greatest number of players convicted of doping (89 over the period, or 20% of the total in the world).
Specifically, figures from Saids (South African Anti-Doping Institute) indicate that tests increased from 785 in 2015 to 127 in 2024. For comparison, in the United Kingdom, they increased from 998 to 1,241, showing an increase of almost 25%. Our colleagues across the Channel specify that an even greater drop has been observed since the 2023 World Cup.
Among the players sentenced are 2019 world champions S’busiso Nkosi and Elton Jantjies, suspended for three and four years respectively. But more recently, the current SpringbokAsenathi Ntlabakanye was suspended this Thursday for 18 months (for a positive test in May 2025) by the Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal (IDHP). He will therefore not be at the World Cup in Australia.
Obviously, the reactions to these revelations are very critical, because the context cannot be omitted, the Springboks having won the last two World Cups over the period concerned. And the Telegraph recalls the photo which caused controversy after a preparation match for the 2019 World Cup, in which we see the Boks shirtless.
As a reminder, a month before this friendly match against Ireland and this locker room photo, winger Aphiwe Dyantyi had tested positive for an illegal substance during the preparation of the South African group. Which therefore makes four proven cases of doping among international players over the period concerned with a drastic drop in controls. A simultaneity which has not stopped getting people talking, without a doubt…
