Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies arrested - reports

Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies has reportedly been arrested at an airport in South Africa - according to multiple local reports.

Jantjies is accused of causing damage to the property of an airline and was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest.

“A 31-year-old man has been arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport upon arrival at the airport from Dubai. He allegedly damaged property belonging to the airline,” Mathe told media outlets this Sunday.

The NTT Red Hurricanes and Lions was apparently taking a flight from Dubai to Johannesburg when the incident occurred following a family holiday.

In 2021 Jantjies left the Lions to take an opportunity as medical joker with French club Pau in preparation for the British & Irish Lions. He later moved to Japan where he is being coached by former Springbok Johann Ackermann at the Red Hurricanes in Japan Rugby League One.

Japanese clubs are known to take a very dim view of players being caught up with the law, even when the matters are relatively trivial. Wallabies great George Smith was sacked by Suntory for an incident with a taxi driver in 2018.

The 31-year-old has played 41 times for South Africa but is seen as a second fiddle to Handre Pollard.