• Dyantyi doping: What was discovered

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    SARugbymag.co.za looks at the three banned substances that Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi tested positive for, and which could see him face a ban for as many as four years.

    METADIENONE

    Background

    – Metadienone is an androgen and anabolic steriod (AAS). It is most commonly sold under the name Dianabol, in the form of a small pill, and most often taken orally through the mouth.

    – It has historically been used as a physique and performance-enhancer.

    – The metabolites of the substance are detectable in urine for up to 19 days after a 5mg dose.

    Notable cases

    – The most recent case of Metadienone use involved three New Zealand club rugby players who were each banned for two years for using the substance. One of the players, Tukiterangi Raimona, was found to have been in possession of Dianabol, which he admitted to taking during a short period away from the game to help cope with the physical demands of his gym schedule.

    –In 1994, Australian-born former South African rugby league captain Jamie Bloem was the first-recorded rugby player to test positive for Dianabol. He claimed to use the substance to help with a hernia, but was still handed a two-year ban.

    – The most recent high profile case of Dianabol use involves professional boxer Dillan Whyte, who tested positive for two banned substances ahead of a bout against Oscar Rivas in July this year.

    READ: Dyantyi’s B-sample comes back positive

    METHYLTESTOSTERONE

    Background

    – Methytestosterone is also an AAS.

    – It is used in medication to help treat low testosterone levels in men and delayed puberty in boys.

    – It is commonly sold under the brand names Android, Metandren, and Testred.

    Notable cases

    – Japanese flyhalf Ryohei Yamanaka was handed a two-year ban after rubbing cream that contained methyltestosterone on his upper lip. He claimed that the cream was used to promote moustache growth.

    LGD-4033

    Background

    – Known commonly as Ligandrol,  LGD-4033 can help repair and build muscles. It has been used in cancer treament studies and for other conditions to help patients with muscle weakness or wastage.

    – Ligandrol is orally as a tablet at doses between 0.5 and 2 mgs.

    – It works in a similar way to anabolic steriods but is known to typically have fewer side effects.

    – It can be detected in the urine of users for up to 21 days.

    Notable cases

    – The most recent high-profile case involves Australian freestyle swimmer Shayna Jack, who tested positive for Ligandrol in late June before competing the World Championships.

    ALSO READ: What next for Dyantyi?

    Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images

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    SA Rugby magazine