South Africa have confirmed fly-half Elton Jantjies and dietician Zeenat Simjee have been sent home ahead of Saturday's clash with Argentina amid reports the pair have been having an affair.
Both Jantjies and Simjee have returned to the Rainbow Nation, with South Africa gearing up to face Los Puma in the Rugby Championship, with the Springboks urging them to ‘attend to these personal reports’.
The pair aren't believed to have broken any team protocols, but SA Rugby says their absence will help to minimise any potential distractions as they continue their preparations for the showdown in Buenos Aires.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The Springbok management are aware of reports regarding Springbok fly-half Elton Jantjies and team dietician Zeenat Simjee between the training camp in Sabie and the Test match against New Zealand in Mbombela earlier this year.
“No team protocols were breached, but the individuals are returning to South Africa to attend to these personal reports and to eliminate any distractions to the team’s preparations for the Test against Argentina.
“No further comment will be made at this time.”
Reports suggest it's unlikely Jacques Nienaber will seek to bring in extra cover, with the in-form Damian Willemse able to cover 10 as well as 15.
Jantjies, who's won 45 caps for the Springboks, was a member of the side that triumphed at the 2019 World Cup, and against the British and Irish Lions in 2021. This latest scandal comes after he was arrested in May over allegations he caused damage on a flight from Dubai to Johannesburg. Those charges were ultimately not pursued, and the case was later withdrawn.
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