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The Frans Steyn reaction to the Sibusiso Nkosi doping ban
By Jan De Koning
The Cheetahs have insisted they got “value for their money” despite the negative publicity surrounding the doping ban given to former Springboks winger Sibusiso Nkosi. This is the view of Frans Steyn, the Cheetahs director of rugby.
It was confirmed this week that Nkosi, a 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, has been banned for three years by World Rugby. He tested positive for an anabolic steroid normally associated with the equestrian world.
Capped 16 times by the Springboks, the 28-year-old underwent a doping test in May and his A sample was positive. He chose not to have his B sample tested and did not fight the case. As a result, he was given a one-year ‘discount’ and was banned for three years. The suspension will run until July 15, 2027.
Confirming to rugby365.com that the Cheetahs only received the World Rugby notification on Tuesday, Steyn insisted that their contracting of Nkosi earlier this year wasn’t a waste of money. “He was good (value) for us and good to us,” he said. “He was good value for the squad and the younger guys. For us (the Cheetahs), it is a massive loss.”
Steyn added that the doping ban was a bed of Nkosi’s making and he must deal with the consequences of his decisions. “There is nothing I can do about it,” he said, adding: “I heard he wanted to stay in Bloemfontein and he enjoys the city.
“I hope somebody allows him to work here and stay here. I will go out of my way to support him wherever I can. I don’t think one (mistake) or doing something bad must define who you are. He is an awesome human being with how he treats the other players and people of the Free State. It’s a massive loss for us.”
Steyn added that he hasn’t spoken to Nkosi since the ban was confirmed, but they had a chat when news of the adverse finding first broke some months ago.
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But we’ve established that the “British Lions” no longer exist, so how is it that you believe that we yearn to participate under the auspices of a non existent entity?
Go to commentsExactly, huge Crusaders bias coming through. Dalton was solid and had played all season and doesn't give away red cards and will only get better. Sevu Reece is previously discarded, short and terrible under the high ball but somehow Mark Telea isn't any longer good enough to be New Zealands best right winger and has now dropped below not one but two Crusaders. Some really dumb selecting with Jordan not good enough against the best physical teams. Saves his worst performances against the Boks.
As for the selecting it's a constant rehash of players we have known for a decade. Why isn't Josh Lord getting minutes against the woeful Wallabies?
Someone knock on Razors war room and tell him he needs to cap about fifty new Allblacks so he can build depth. Lakai, AK Lam, Payton Spencer, Zarn Sullivan, locks, props.
Ardies a seven, get younger guys running hard off the back rather than the 'leg drive and post contact metres' of a 31 year old that gets himself isolated and will be in his mid thirties in 2027 and three years of playing for NZ's worst rugby franchise
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