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- Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies insists he could still return to play professional rugby.
- Jantjies is serving a four-year doping ban, but he is confident that he can prove his innocence.
- Jantjies, who most recently played for French club Agen, added that there were a lot of people that he looked up to who disappointed him "badly".
- For more rugby news, visit News24 Sport's dedicated section.
Banned Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has vowed to make a return to the sport.
Jantjies, 33, was slapped with a four-year ban last year after testing positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol, a fat-burning and asthma medication which also enhances stamina.
Traces of the substance were found in a sample taken from the player on 20 June while he was a member of the Bok training squad.
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The ban was confirmed by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) in January. Jantjies opted not to exercise his right to appeal and have his case heard by an independent doping panel.
However, Jantjies maintains his innocence and is confident he can make a return to the sport.
Jantjies took to social media over the weekend when he hit out at certain "organisations".
"A lot of people have a lot of questions in terms of my rugby career, but just know that I will be back sooner than you think," said Jantjies.
"Through all the research, through all the facts, and all the evidence, a lot of organisations have been involved in terms of me being tested for something that I have never used.
"I will elaborate more in terms of me missing my second World Cup, but I am not negative about it because I am preparing myself for much more, something much bigger.
"I'm focussing on the next cycle, but I've got a few things that I need to sort out, but I am very positive.
"I truly believe that these last few months are a blessing in disguise. Yes, I want to play rugby and I want to do what I love, but it has created other opportunities for me.
"It has created a lot of answers for me in my personal life and my rugby career."
Jantjies, who most recently played for French club Agen, added that there were a lot of people that he looked up to who had disappointed him "badly".
"People that I believed in. It's a big eye opener, so when I get back to the rugby field there is going to be a different version of Elton.
"I just want to thank all my family members who are supporting me. There are a lot of fans who support me and just believe that I will be back on the park sooner than you think.
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"I've got all the right answers, I've got all the facts and I've got all the evidence against a lot of organisations that's not doing it the right way."
Jantjies played 46 Tests for the Boks between 2012 and 2022.
