“I Was Dealing With Demons”: Former Springboks Winger Aphiwe Dyantyi Opens Up on Rugby Ban
- Former Springbok winger Aphiwe Dyantyi has opened up about the four-year ban that abruptly halted his rising rugby career
- Dyantyi missed South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cups and has struggled to regain his form since returning to professional rugby
- In a rare interview, Dyantyi shared the emotional toll of the ban and received overwhelming support from fans online
Former Springboks wing Aphiwe Dyantyi has spoken candidly for the first time about the heartbreaking ban that short-circuited his once-bright rugby career.
The explosive winger was named SA Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2018. His international dreams came crashing down after testing positive for anabolic steroids, resulting in a four-year ban.
Source: Getty Images
Dyantyi, now 30, missed both of South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs and has since battled to regain his old form.
Though he returned to professional rugby in late 2023, with stints at the Sharks and, more recently, the Bulls, his career has not yet reignited, and he remains on the fringes of national selection.
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In a rare interview, Dyantyi opened up about the personal toll the ban took on him.
“I couldn’t watch any rugby, or any of the games (at the 2019 World Cup), except the final,” he shared.
“When I was at home, I was dealing with a lot of demons, and for me to even get out of the house was difficult).”
Watch the video below:
Dyantyi earned 13 caps for the Springboks before the suspension halted his meteoric rise. While his return has yet to mirror the brilliance of his early days, fans remain deeply supportive and inspired by his resilience.
How did South Africans react to the interview?
Netizens flooded the comments section of the interview on YouTube, sharing heartfelt reactions:
@siphelelefuzani284:
“God bless Aphiwe Dyantyi, he served his country unapologetically. If his journey transpired during the time of Jesus, his story would’ve been a testament. He was meant for that World Cup. But maybe he missed it for a reason; he has served his purpose. Ubomi buyajika nje kanjalo in a split second. Grootman Gcobs, thank you for this mkhuluwa.”
@gouty:
“The side-stepping on Beuden Barrett to go over the try line in Wellington against the ABs was super 👌.”
@buzwefani6984:
“There isn’t a better person to sit down with Aphiwe than Gcobani Bobo… what a great interview 👌.”
@sdewviljoen:
“This was such an amazing interview! Your mutual appreciation shines like the sun. And thanks for allowing us to listen in on such a deep, private, and personal conversation. Respect and all the good vibes I can send!!”
@KabeloTshegofatsoMampe:
“Bobo is a good host. The way he lets his guests flow without interruption is commendable. To AP, may God bless you abundantly. May all your dreams and ambitions come to fruition.”
@UnakoMalangeni:
“We’re happy to see Tar AP again. He’s the reason I started playing rugby. Ubuye, bhuti wam. This is the kind of content I signed up for. I remember his post-match interview after we beat England in 2017/18. When asked what was next for the Springboks, he confidently said, ‘Beating the All Blacks.’ 🙌🏽”
@ddungujoseph8821:
“I fell in love with the Springboks because of Aphiwe. Thank you for bringing him, Gcobani! The best winger we ever had in our generation.”
Source: Getty Images
Dyantyi is not the only former Springbok whose career has been derailed by a doping ban. Elton Jantjies, a 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, was also handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for Clenbuterol, a banned substance.
His suspension will run until 2028, by which time he will be 37, turning 38, well past the typical prime for international rugby.
Elton Jantjies' hunting trip sparks backlash online
Briefly News previously reported that 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 go down well with many online users. While some praised the outing, others criticised Jantjies for the nature of the content, with many calling it distasteful.
Source: Briefly News
