Bjorn Basson has protested his innocence after failing a drugs test and says he does not know how the substance entered his system.
Springboks winger shocked after learning about positive test
South Africa winger Bjorn Basson has protested his innocence after failing a drugs test, claiming he does not know how the banned substance entered his system.
Basson and team-mate Chiliboy Ralepelle tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine after the Springboks' 23-21 victory against Ireland on November 6.
The stimulant is commonly used as a nasal decongestant and may also be present in nutritional supplements.
And Basson, who has been sent home and provisionally suspended after the failed test, insists that he did not knowingly take the substance
"I don't know how this drug got into my system. I have no idea at all. I was very shocked when I first heard. I couldn't believe it was happening to me," he is quoted as saying by South African newspaper
The Times.
Exit
Despite his controversial exit from South Africa's European tour, Basson is confident that he will be able to prove his innocence.
"The team knows it too. Chili and I will stick together through this," he added.
Ralepelle also sent the newspaper a text message that said: "No worries God is in control."
South African Rugby Players Association CEO Piet Heymans has reportedly confirmed that the two players have requested for their B-samples to be tested.
"I have spoken to the players and their legal team and there was consensus that their B samples should be tested, so we have arranged for that to be done," Heymans told
Business Day.
"We are not certain how long it will take, but we suspect it would happen in the next three to four days. But a formal investigation is under way."
