Springboks Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson have been cleared to return to rugby after a South African Rugby Union (SARU) judicial committee ruled that they were not at fault for their positive drug test last year.
The committee said in a ruling released on Friday that a reprimand was the “appropriate sanction” for hooker Ralepelle and winger Basson after they tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine following South Africa’s victory over Ireland in November.
The players were provisionally suspended from all rugby activities as a result and had to return home from the tour.
The committee, comprising two lawyers and a doctor, ruled it was “comfortably satisfied” that the players had no intention of enhancing their performance through the use of a prohibited substance.
The committee was appointed by the South African Rugby Union and heard the cases in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The South Africa team said a new sports drink or flu medication taken by both players could have been responsible for the positive tests.
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