Springbok hooker Ralepelle fails drugs test - reports

South African rugby has been rocked by reports that Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has failed a drugs test.

According to Netwerk 24, the Sharks front rower failed a random drugs test last January, undertaken by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) at Kings Park.

Ralepelle is yet to play for the Sharks this season.

The 32-year-old has featured under Rassie Erasmus, starting last June’s 22-20 defeat to Wales in Washington DC. He also featured in the 2-1 series victory over England, playing in the third Test which the Springboks lost 25-10.

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Ralepelle is rated as the 14th best hooker in the Super 14 in the RugbyPass Index with an RPI of 70.

It’s not the first time that he’s failed a drugs test, he was banned for two years in 2014 for an anabolic steroid.

The allegations are an unwelcome distraction for the Sharks ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the Bulls on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

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