ON 13th August 2019 the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) informed Springbok and Lions rugby player, Aphiwe Dyantyi, that an adverse analytical finding had been detected in a sample collected from him in a doping test on 2nd July 2019. The test was conducted in accordance with the National Anti-Doping Regulations.
[su_spacer size=”10″]Mr. Dyantyi, who was provisionally suspended in light of the finding, exercised his right to have his B-sample analysed. The B-sample was tested at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory at the University of the Free State, which confirmed the A-sample results of the presence of the prohibited substances: metandienone, methyltestosterone and LGD-4033.
[su_spacer size=”10″]These performance-enhancing substances are on the 2019 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods in Sport, are classified as “S1.1A Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids” and “S1.2 Other Anabolic Agent” that are banned in- and out-of-competition.
[su_spacer size=”10″]Mr. Dyantyi has now been formally charged with a doping offence for multiple anabolic steroids and metabolites. The charge has been communicated to SA Rugby Union, World Rugby and WADA.
[su_spacer size=”10″]The athlete has the option of admitting to the charge and accepting an appropriate sanction based on the World Anti-Doping Code’s framework. He may submit a plea for consideration of a reduced sanction by providing mitigating circumstances. A reasoned decision may then be issued explaining the sanction. (See the SAIDS Anti-Doping Rules 2019, 10.6.3 p68)
[su_spacer size=”10″]Mr. Dyantyi has the right to contest the charge before an independent tribunal panel. If he disputes the charge and pleads not guilty, a hearing will be set down within the next four weeks and he will be required to provide evidence that can prove his innocence. The independent tribunal panel will then adjudicate over the proceedings and hand down a decision.
[su_spacer size=”10″]SAIDS is only able to further comment after a final decision has been made by the Tribunal Panel.