South Africa fly-half Elton Jantjies has been given a four-year ban from the sport for doping, the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) has announced.

The banned drug can burn fat but is also found in asthma medication.

The 33-year-old had said in August he was "shocked and sad" and insisted he was innocent.

SAIDS said in the ruling

: "The athlete did not exercise his right to have their case heard before an Independent Doping Hearing Panel."

Jantjies has not made a statement himself since the ruling but his agent, Anthony Johnson, told South African press he had been making inquiries about fighting the outcome.

The player most recently competed for French club Agen but has played for Japanese sides Red Hurricanes Osaka and Shining Oaks.

He won 46 caps for South Africa and last competed for his country in 2022.

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