Ralepelle banned over doping violation

Ralepelle rose to prominence in 2006 when he became the first black South African to captain the Springboks in a match when he led the national side against a World XV in the UK.

In a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) they mentioned the reasoning for the handing down of the sentence to the 33 year-old.

“The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel handed down its decision in two parts this week,” the statement said.

“The athlete challenged the doping charge and was afforded the opportunity to seek legal counsel to present his case and version of events to the tribunal panel.  

“The hearings were adjourned multiple times and were held over a period of six months.  The panel reached a decision first on the merits of the case where they found the player guilty of a doping offense.”

Ralepelle has had a tumultuous relationship with banned substances having been flagged twice before, both when he was playing overseas in France, with the first positive test being found to not be his fault which only resulted in a reprimand.

His second positive test in 2014, this time for the anabolic steroid drostanolone, resulted in a two year ban and termination of his contract at Toulouse.

“Ralepelle had previously tested positive on two separate occasions while playing overseas. The Zeranol positive case was his third positive dope test during his playing career within a 10-year period, however the player’s first positive case was ruled a No Fault decision and he then received a reprimand. 

“The panel had to refer to sports jurisprudence to determine the appropriate sanction which they ruled to be the player’s second doping offense,” the SAIDS statement added.

“The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel ruled that Mr Ralepelle must serve an eight-year ban for doping.  The ban will expire on the 27th January 2027.  The player has 21 days within which to file an appeal against the sanction.”