"Hope It's Not Drugged": Elton Jantjies' Birthday Hunting Trip Sparks Backlash Online

• Elton Jantjies unexpectedly celebrated his birthday, sparking mixed reactions online
• The former Springbok fly-half shared photos of the outing on social media, but many users slammed the images as distasteful
• Once a Rugby World Cup winner, Jantjies is currently serving a four-year doping ban and has transitioned into coaching
• Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha how athletes move from high-paying sports careers to new business or career ventures

Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies celebrated his birthday on Friday, 1 August 2025, when he turned 35. The retired rugby star marked the occasion with his first-ever hunting trip in an undisclosed location, sharing pictures from the experience on social media that are now deleted.

However, the post did not sit well with many online users. While some praised the outing, others criticised Jantjies for the nature of the content, with many calling it distasteful.

Who is Elton Jantjies?

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Jantjies earned 46 Test caps for South Africa between 2012 and 2022, scoring 331 points — the fifth-most in Springbok history. He was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad.

He was instrumental in the Lions team that reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals from 2016 to 2018. His attacking flair, accurate kicking, and sharp decision-making were central to their success.

WARNING: The following images may be disturbing to sensitive readers.

See the picture below:

Jantjies was known for his creative playmaking, precise goal-kicking, and composure under pressure. At his peak, he was one of the most exciting yet divisive talents in South African rugby. In 2023, Jantjies tested positive for Clenbuterol, a banned performance-enhancing drug. As a result, he received a four-year suspension from rugby in January 2024.

He did not contest the ban, effectively bringing his professional career to an end. The suspension followed a string of controversies, including alleged disciplinary issues in the Springbok camp and a 2022 off-field scandal involving misconduct on a flight and tabloid reports of an affair.

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See the picture below:

Since his suspension, Jantjies has moved into coaching. He joined a Johannesburg-based rugby academy as a kicking and attack coach and has expressed a desire to mentor young players, hoping they can learn from his career highs and mistakes.

Jantjies' ban is in effect until 2028, by which time he will be 37, an age by which most players have retired from international competition. With rising talent in the flyhalf position and the stigma of a doping ban, a return to the Springboks is unlikely.

Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha how athletes successfully shift from lucrative sports careers to pursuing new ventures. She said:

"Athletes often transition from high-paying sports careers to new ventures by investing in businesses, property, or brand partnerships.

The challenge is that the earning window in professional sports is short, and without proper planning, the sudden drop in income can be hard to manage."

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Online reactions to the hunting trip

Here’s how some users responded to Jantjies’ post:

@ft_jacques_:

"Lekker, man."

@brenvanreeenen:

"Great stuff. Be prepared for hate from the uneducated. Enjoy the biltong... and remember, they think Woollies makes it."

@mrs_jamiecollins:

"No, not nice to see this. I mean, where is the sympathy?"

@meric.temur:

"Beautiful creature. Shame it had to end this way."

@signorecasaretto:

"No, my friend."

See the picture below:

"Hope it’s not drugged."

@waldoburke:

"When two Springboks meet."

@tasnellra:

"This will not age well."

See the picture below:

Siya Kolisi ranked among the world’s highest-paid rugby players

Briefly News previously reported that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been named among the world’s top 10 highest-paid rugby players for the 2024/25 season.

The report by DashTickets.nz highlights the soaring international demand for South African rugby talent, particularly in Japan’s lucrative league.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News