As far as breakthrough Springbok seasons go, very few are as memorable as that of Aphiwe Dyantyi.
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.
Former Springbok star opens up on heartbreak
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.
YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:
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