LATEST: Elton Jantjies’ Bok future still in doubt

Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has not spoken publicly since issuing a statement several weeks ago, in which he took ‘full responsibility’ for his actions, but did not admit to any allegations of an affair.

The dramatic statement came after the experienced flyhalf and Springbok dietician Zeenat Simjee had been released from the Bok camp after Sunday newspaper Rapport published a report of an alleged tryst between the two.

READ | BOK COACHES TO WORK WITH LIBBOK, LOMBARD – REPORT

Despite Jantjies and Simjee being sent back to South Africa, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander subsequently stated that they still needed to accurately gather all the facts before deciding whether further action would be taken, while he also questioned the anonymous sources who disclosed the information to Rapport after the story broke on Sunday.

With Handre Pollard still injured, Damian Willemse has now established as a capable back-up at 10, while Johan Goosen is also expected to head on the end-of-year tour as another flyhalf option.

LATEST: NEW INJURY WORRY OVER HANDRE POLLARD AS RETURN LASTS 27 MINUTES!

It’s unclear whether Jantjies could be considered for a return to the squad this year, but an article in Rapport suggests he could be given enough chance to get his personal affairs in order before being recalled.

If Jantjies does miss the end-of-year tour, it could leave him with limited time to earn his place back before the fast-approaching 2023 World Cup, particularly considering this has been a year to forget for the 32-year-old on and off the field.

ALSO READ | RASSIE ERASMUS COMMENTS ON ELTON JANTJIES SAGA

Elton Jantjies previously released the following statement:

The Springboks dietician Zeenat Simjee was never with me at either of the two guesthouses that I stayed at. She is a good friend and nothing more. That her good name is now being dragged through the mud is a shame.

I do not want to say much about the newspaper article, except that it contains many untruths and half-truths. I will now concentrate on getting my life and career back on track and wish to do so privately, so this will be my only statement on this matter.

I am aware that newspaper articles about my recent behaviour caused a lot of disappointment, distress, and anger to many people, and I apologise unreservedly to everybody I hurt or disappointed, my teammates, the Springbok management team, and SA Rugby. I also want to apologise to the management and squad of my club in Japan, NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

I sadly let myself, my family, and the rugby-loving people of this country down, and I deeply regret my actions. I did not do the Springbok jersey proud. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am serious about doing everything in my power to change my behaviour. I want to restore the confidence those closest to me once had in me and win back the trust of the public. I hope that I can rebuild those relationships that got damaged or broken.

READ: SPRINGBOKS RELEASE STATEMENT ON JANTJIES SCANDAL

Jantjies, who has played 46 Tests for the Boks, has over 110 000 followers on Instagram, with his bio reading as follows: “Sportsman of Loyalty, Respect and Honour”.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by Simjee, she appealed to Rapport – who broke the story – to “retract and apologise” for the reports that were “devoid of truth”.

Read the full statement below

I am the subject of some extremely negative media reports over the last week, tarnishing me personally and degrading my dignity.

I appreciate the support of my fellow Springbok management team members who concurred with my choice to return home to work through this with the support of my family and relevant professionals.

I chose to maintain a dignified silence while the media storm was raging, as I am severely traumatised by what has transpired.

Let me unequivocally state that I am shocked at the level of sensational journalism from the newspaper that first published the article. I am devastated by the fact that a journalist and his newspaper could publish such damaging allegations on false and baseless hearsay. It is disappointing.

As a young professional, I hold my profession in high regard. In the same light, it is an honour and privilege to represent my country and be part of the Springbok Team. As a person of values, I will not bring about disrepute to myself, my family, my profession and all the many incredible people that have been kind, positive and supportive towards me throughout this ordeal.

The weekend ahead of the test week in Mbombela, I had been with my parents dealing with family bereavement. So, the allegations of me spending time with Elton Jantjies at a guesthouse is devoid of any truth.

This has cast an extremely negative aspersion and disgraceful perspective on my character to which other media houses have also added their perspective. I appeal to the original publisher to retract and apologise for the negative sentiment cast on me.

I am committed to the Springbok Team and would like to expediently get this behind me so I can continue with my professional responsibilities to the Springbok team.