SA pace bowler Rabada tested positive for cocaine
Rabada, who was with the Gujarat Titans when he returned home from the Indian Premier League in April, admitted failing a drug test and apologised for his actions.
The 30-year-old, ranked No.2 in the Test bowler rankings, said he had returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.
Rabada had been tested in January when he was playing in the SA20 for MI Cape Town and SAIDS said in a report published this week it had detected the presence of Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Rabada returned from his suspension to play two matches for Gujarat, who finished third in the standings.
He is due to spearhead South Africa's bowling attack in the World Test Championship final at Lord's where they face Australia from June 11-15.
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Fiji looking forward rather than at Wallabies triumph
While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said. While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said. While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aussie star set to make quick return for Windies Test
Just 20 days after suffering a nasty compound dislocation of his finger, Steve Smith is set to return for Australia's second Test against the West Indies. The star batter couldn't take any further part in the World Test Championship final at Lord's after being forced to hospital following a nasty incident in the field on day three. But Smith avoided surgery, instead wearing a splint on his right little finger while it heals. The 36-year-old spent time at his second home in New York after the WTC defeat in London, before flying to join his teammates in the Caribbean. Smith batted in the nets for the first time on Tuesday in a clear sign he is desperate to return for the match at Grenada's National Stadium. "Anytime you add 10,000 runs back into the line-up, you're going to be pretty happy with it," wicketkeeper Alex Carey told reporters about Smith's looming inclusion. "He seems pretty confident, so he's excited to get back in. "It's been tough at the top of the order, so to add a little bit more experience is good for the group, but I think they've (been) doing a pretty good job." Josh Inglis, who batted at No.4 in the first Test and was dismissed playing ordinary shots for 5 and 12, will almost certainly make way if Smith returns. Sam Konstas was bossed by Windies spearhead Shamar Joseph, but Australia are determined to give the teenage opener an extended run. Cameron Green also struggled in his second straight Test at No.3, but is in a similar position to Konstas where he won't be dropped. If Smith plays he will likely be forced to field in an unfamiliar position to protect his finger. One of Australia's greatest fielders, Smith might be forced out of the slips cordon to mid-off or fine leg. When he dislocated his finger against South Africa, Smith was standing at a close slip with a helmet on due to many edges in the WTC final not carrying. But the one edge that did carry travelled like a bullet, damaging Smith's finger and leaving the Proteas in the box seat to pull off the upset victory. Australia will retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, which they have held since 1995, if they back up their 159-run win in the first Test. Joseph caused Australia dramas in Bridgetown by taking nine wickets, backing up his match-winning heroics from the Gabba in January 2024. Just 20 days after suffering a nasty compound dislocation of his finger, Steve Smith is set to return for Australia's second Test against the West Indies. The star batter couldn't take any further part in the World Test Championship final at Lord's after being forced to hospital following a nasty incident in the field on day three. But Smith avoided surgery, instead wearing a splint on his right little finger while it heals. The 36-year-old spent time at his second home in New York after the WTC defeat in London, before flying to join his teammates in the Caribbean. Smith batted in the nets for the first time on Tuesday in a clear sign he is desperate to return for the match at Grenada's National Stadium. "Anytime you add 10,000 runs back into the line-up, you're going to be pretty happy with it," wicketkeeper Alex Carey told reporters about Smith's looming inclusion. "He seems pretty confident, so he's excited to get back in. "It's been tough at the top of the order, so to add a little bit more experience is good for the group, but I think they've (been) doing a pretty good job." Josh Inglis, who batted at No.4 in the first Test and was dismissed playing ordinary shots for 5 and 12, will almost certainly make way if Smith returns. Sam Konstas was bossed by Windies spearhead Shamar Joseph, but Australia are determined to give the teenage opener an extended run. Cameron Green also struggled in his second straight Test at No.3, but is in a similar position to Konstas where he won't be dropped. If Smith plays he will likely be forced to field in an unfamiliar position to protect his finger. One of Australia's greatest fielders, Smith might be forced out of the slips cordon to mid-off or fine leg. When he dislocated his finger against South Africa, Smith was standing at a close slip with a helmet on due to many edges in the WTC final not carrying. But the one edge that did carry travelled like a bullet, damaging Smith's finger and leaving the Proteas in the box seat to pull off the upset victory. Australia will retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, which they have held since 1995, if they back up their 159-run win in the first Test. Joseph caused Australia dramas in Bridgetown by taking nine wickets, backing up his match-winning heroics from the Gabba in January 2024. Just 20 days after suffering a nasty compound dislocation of his finger, Steve Smith is set to return for Australia's second Test against the West Indies. The star batter couldn't take any further part in the World Test Championship final at Lord's after being forced to hospital following a nasty incident in the field on day three. But Smith avoided surgery, instead wearing a splint on his right little finger while it heals. The 36-year-old spent time at his second home in New York after the WTC defeat in London, before flying to join his teammates in the Caribbean. Smith batted in the nets for the first time on Tuesday in a clear sign he is desperate to return for the match at Grenada's National Stadium. "Anytime you add 10,000 runs back into the line-up, you're going to be pretty happy with it," wicketkeeper Alex Carey told reporters about Smith's looming inclusion. "He seems pretty confident, so he's excited to get back in. "It's been tough at the top of the order, so to add a little bit more experience is good for the group, but I think they've (been) doing a pretty good job." Josh Inglis, who batted at No.4 in the first Test and was dismissed playing ordinary shots for 5 and 12, will almost certainly make way if Smith returns. Sam Konstas was bossed by Windies spearhead Shamar Joseph, but Australia are determined to give the teenage opener an extended run. Cameron Green also struggled in his second straight Test at No.3, but is in a similar position to Konstas where he won't be dropped. If Smith plays he will likely be forced to field in an unfamiliar position to protect his finger. One of Australia's greatest fielders, Smith might be forced out of the slips cordon to mid-off or fine leg. When he dislocated his finger against South Africa, Smith was standing at a close slip with a helmet on due to many edges in the WTC final not carrying. But the one edge that did carry travelled like a bullet, damaging Smith's finger and leaving the Proteas in the box seat to pull off the upset victory. Australia will retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, which they have held since 1995, if they back up their 159-run win in the first Test. Joseph caused Australia dramas in Bridgetown by taking nine wickets, backing up his match-winning heroics from the Gabba in January 2024.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Fiji looking forward rather than at Wallabies triumph
While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said.
