E Cape schools rugby player 'failed doping test'

A Border schoolboy rugby player has allegedly tested positive for a banned substance, Dispatch Online reported on Thursday.

The 17-year-old Stirling High matric pupil allegedly failed the test that was taken at the Under-18 Craven Week in Stellenbosch in July.

During the tournament, two Border players were randomly chosen to be tested, and one test came back positive.

The boy could not be identified until he appeared before a hearing scheduled for later on Thursday at a secret venue in East London.

The Border Rugby Football Union (BRFU) confirmed that one of its players had allegedly tested positive for a banned substance.

The Daily Dispatch said the boy, together with his parents and principal, were to appear at the union hearing.

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) was to fly down a delegation to be part of the hearing, and the union would be represented by its general manager, Leon Botha.

Union president Cliffie Pringle said: “We received communication from Saru telling us about this. Obviously, the boy is not guilty until a hearing finds him guilty of the offence.”

If found guilty, the boy could be banned for life.—Sapa