Springboks Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle have both been sent home for failing drugs tests after South Africa’s 23-21 win over Ireland at the weekend.
Both played in Saturday’s 29-25 victory against Wales, Ralepelle coming on as a late substitute while Basson started.
The South African Rugby Union was told of the positive tests on Sunday and it has suspended both players.
Winger Basson (23) was due to fly back on Monday anyway after sustaining an ankle injury against Wales (his fourth test appearance) which ruled him out of the rest of the tour.
He started the game against Ireland, while Ralepelle was an unused substitute.
Hooker Ralepelle (24) has played 17 tests and he was the first black captain of the Springboks when he led them out against a World XV in Leicester.
Both players tested positive for methylhexaneamine, a “non-specified stimulant” on the prohibited substances list of the World Anti-Doping Agency
Methylhexaneamine is scheduled to be reclassified as a “specified stimulant” from January, 1 2011.
Meanwhile, the Springboks are having everything in their camp that can be taken by orally tested for the banned caffeine-like stimulant.
Springbok management could not comment because the IRB process had to run its course.
