Dyantyi's return gets Erasmus vote of confidence: 'We can hopefully pick him for Boks again'

Aphiwe Dyantyi's impending return to rugby in two months has been given a vote of confidence by the rugby person who matters most: SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

Speaking at the Southern Sun Hotel in Pretoria - ironically, it's the last place Dyantyi had a Springbok press engagement in 2019 before news of his drug test emerged - Erasmus said he not only believes in second chances, but he hopes Dyantyi will play well enough at the Sharks to make the Bok squad again.

With Dyantyi's return date set for 14 August, he will miss out on the World Cup travelling squad to be announced on 8 August.

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Dyantyi, who in 2019 was banned for four years when his urine sample tested positive for three S1 category steroidal substances (methandienone, methyltestosterone, and LGD-4033), was unveiled as a new signing by the Sharks on Tuesday.

Dyantyi was playing at the Lions at the time of his ban and was a crucial part of Erasmus' 2018 Springboks squad.

"I believe in second chances. If there's a ban and that's what the disciplinary decided, he's served his ban and it must have been tough on him," Erasmus said.

"I really do hope he comes back through the pain, and I really hope he does well for the Sharks, from where we can hopefully pick him for the Boks again.

"I know there are a lot of people who don't feel the same way, but that's why there was a time period with the ban."

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Dyantyi wasn't the first Springbok player to test positive for drugs, but he was the first one to fall under the extensive ban set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency that