Cape Town - Springbok Chiliboy Ralepelle faces a two year suspension after reportedly testing positive for a banned substance in France.
According to the supersport.com website, Ralepelle, 27, who is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained against Biarritz on February 17, was tested out of competition, with his 'A' sample containing traces of Drostanalone, an anabolic steroid that is often used in bodybuilding.
The French daily L'Equipe reported that Ralepelle was now “under investigation” and his club, Toulouse, had been informed of the positive test.
This is also not the first time Ralepelle has been tested positive, after he and wing Bjorn Basson were found to have a banned substance - methylhexanamine - in their system when tested after South Africa’s clash with Ireland in Dublin in 2010.
The duo claimed the substance was in the Springbok-approved supplements they had taken and were let off the hook.
Ralepelle has played 22 Tests for the Springboks.