Springbok opens up on devastating drugs ban
After scoring a superb try on debut against England on 9 June 2018, it was his incredible two-try heroics against the All Blacks in Wellington later that season that suddenly made him a household name.
In his first year of Test rugby, Dyantyi scored six tries in 13 Tests, and was named the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year at the end of 2018.
Yet, there was a bombshell to come.
In July 2019, Dyantyi tested positively for metandienone, methyltestosterone and LGD-4033, three substances that were all on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.
At the time, Dyantyi was doing everything in his power to recover from injury and hopefully book his place in the 2019 World Cup. Instead, he ultimately received – and served – a four-year ban from all rugby in a devastating blow to his career.
Dyantyi has very rarely spoken publicly about this experience, but he recently sat down another former Springbok, Gcobani Bobo, to share his truth.
After receiving the devastating news, Dyantyi admits he went home and was ready to give up on the game.
'I couldn't watch any rugby, or any of the games (at the 2019 World Cup), except the final,' he shares. 'When I was at home, I was dealing with a lot of demons, and for me to even get out of the house (was difficult).'
Dyantyi goes on to explain how he was completely shocked when he received the news of the positive test, but ultimately he had no option to accept his fate and attempt to find new purpose in his life.
The talented outside back has tried to revive his career since 2013, having started his 'comeback' at the Sharks before moving to the Bulls, but it has been clear how difficult it is for him to perform at the required level after four years on the sidelines. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS STORY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Ighodaro, Phiri, Zajmovic, new striker
Kaizer Chiefs have signed six players so far this transfer window but the club have indicated that more signings would be made before the window closes. The team will play their first official match of the season against Stellenbosch on Sunday at the Cape Town Stadium. Nasreddine Nabi will hope to get his side to a winning start after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Amakhosi are linked with 24-year-old striker Etiosa Ighodaro, who is under contract with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. 'That player [Ighodaro] belongs to another team with administrative issues, but he or another striker that we listed on our transfer list will be welcomed,' Nabi said when questioned by FARPost . 'For now, we will wait to hear from our administration if he or another striker will join. I saw the player you are asking about last season was playing for AmaZulu, and I believe he's a good player, but he's a player that doesn't belong to our club, and we can't say much about it.' Another player Kaizer Chiefs can sign is former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri. He recently confirmed to Sunday World that he and his camp held talks with Amakhosi. 'Yes, Kaizer Chiefs did contact me and my representatives. We had small talks with Amakhosi, but I think since they were going to prepare for their pre-season in the Netherlands, the talks stalled a bit,' Phiri told Sunday World. 'But hopefully in the upcoming days or weeks, our talks will resume, and we will come up with something. 'Should something work out, I will be here, but if not, I will go elsewhere and keep pushing.' Ex-TS Galaxy star Dzenan Zajmovic set to record straight on rumours linking him to Chiefs. 'Two clubs made contact, but I was not happy with the proposals about a month ago,' Zajmovic told 'It was not even one of the big three clubs in South Africa. Okay with regards to Kaizer Chiefs, they never contacted me. I have seen people writing a lot of nonsense that I'm negotiating with them but nothing like that has happened. 'All the things on the internet about me and Chiefs are not true because they have never contacted me. What I know is that I have shown myself in a good way but maybe it is not good enough for some clubs,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Zakhele Lepasa and Neo Mokoena
Former Orlando Pirates attacker Zakhele Lepasa may start looking for a new apartment in KwaZulu Natal's leading city of Durban. Durban City FC, the Betway Premiership's rookies are reportedly targeting Lepasa to boost their attacking options ahead of the upcoming season. The Soweto-born player could be joining his fourth top-flight club after TS Galaxy, SuperSport United and of course Orlando Pirates. Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Two strikers According to Durban City's chairman, Farouk Kadodia, the club formerly known as Maritzburg United have begun talks with the 28-year-old Lepasa's camp. 'We are interested in Zakhele Lepasa,' Kadodia said… Full story here. Zakhele Lepasa in action for Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Sowetan Strong comments: Khanye on Kaizer Chiefs-bound players So Orlando Pirates sold Mohau Nkota to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia after just one season in the Betway Premiership. According to these reports, the Buccaneers have another exciting winger, Neo Mokoena, from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) reserve team. Following a strong finish to the previous season, during which Mokoena trained with the Orlando Pirates senior side, he has earned his place in the Buccaneers' A squad…Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
'Say it to my face': Herschelle Gibbs claps back at criticism
Retired Protea Herschelle Gibbs has clapped back at criticism of his outspoken social media posts as well as controversial past, which includes allegations of doping, match-fing and that 2010 bombshell memoir. The 51-year-old has often taken jabs at the South African cricket team, particularly captain Temba Bavuma. On his X account, Herschelle Gibbs courted controversy when he seemingly poked fun at International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah's praise for the debut of a new four-day series tournament. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Series between England and India recently ended in a draw. 'You guys wanted test cricket to be 4 days', he posted alongside several laughing emojis. His post saw many irked cricket fans – particularly from India – bring up his controversial career, which included allegations of match-fixing and doping. 'Were you born?' Herschelle Gibbs clapped back at one X user. 'Did you even play international cricket?' he asked another. The 51-year-old's roasts became more personal. 'Shame, did your boyfriend leave you for another woman?' he asked one critic. To another, he shamelessly posted: 'Tell your mom to get off the street corners'. Meanwhile, in a video posted by sports betting agency 10Bet, Herschel Gibbs read out a series of 'mean tweets' about it. 'Next time, say it to my face', the caption read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 10bet South Africa (@10betza) In 2010, Herschelle Gibbs released his bombshell autobiography To The Point, detailing his life in the limelight as a Protea player. In it, he detailed his sexcapades with dozens of cricket groupies. One particular 'group sex session' took place at Adelaide Hilton Hotel during the 1997/199 Proteas tour. He wrote: 'It was one fat party from mid-evening to the next afternoon. I enjoyed the company of let's say, more than one woman. 'The girls were really up for it .. You picked a girl up (in the hotel's bar), took her upstairs to your room, and afterwards both of you would go back downstairs and you'd go and chat to someone else. It was a phenomenal night.' Herschelle Gibbs' autobiography 'To The Point'. Of his Australian groupies, he said: 'It was like going shopping. From the first day, women were almost falling into our laps virtually every night. Australian women, I can tell you, are not afraid to speak their minds and make it crystal clear what they're after. Herschelle Gibbs' memoir also touched on his short stint in rehab over alcohol and drug abuse, and a six-month ban over his 2000 match-fixing scandal. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
