Springbok star Dyantyi set for long-awaited comeback

At the beginning of last, Bok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi – who is currently serving a four-year suspension related to banned substances – said he is focused on getting back to the game.

In 2019, and on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, Dyantyi was banned from all forms of the game after his mandatory B sample came back testing positive for three banned substances following a national training camp.

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According to the ruling handed down to Dyantyi, he was ‘banned from participating in sport from the date of 13th August 2019 [when he was provisionally suspended] to 12th August 2023’.

Notably, there are now just two months to go until Dyantyi could be available to play again, with his possible return set to come just before his 29th birthday.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the Sharks are now waiting for final confirmation from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) to clarify exactly when his ban will end.

Towards the end of last year, it had been reported that Dyantyi had moved to Durban where he is working and training in hopes of making a successful transition back to the game once his suspension is lifted.

Apparently he can start training with a team before his ban ends, and some talk suggested his move to Durban could open the door for an opportunity at the Sharks.

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A group of supportive people are said to have been assisting Dyantyi after the hardship he endured following the shock suspension, and it’s now hoped that he could make a successful comeback to professional rugby.

In another article on IOL Sport in the middle of last year, written by respected Durban-based journalist Mike Greenaway, it was also stated that the signs increasingly seem to indicate that the Sharks may consider extending a lifeline to Dyantyi in the near future.

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Dyantyi previously earned 13 caps for the Springboks

The 28-year-old is entering his final few months away from rugby, and in a previous social media post, he suggested he will aim to get back on the field.

“This year marks three years out of the game,” Dyantyi wrote in February 2022. “A very challenging three years coupled with tears, rebuilding, love and laughter.

“A trial and error period in my life, but two business projects down the line, I wouldn’t change anything about my life journey. The support has been both heartwarming and humbling (Thank You).

“I find myself in a privileged position of building beyond rugby and focusing on getting back on the field, and get back I will …

“I’m only getting started …”

Few will forget what an impact Dyantyi made during the start of his Springboks career, which was prematurely brought to a halt.

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