LONDON — South Africa rugby players Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle were sent home Monday after they tested positive for a banned stimulant that Springboks officials fear could be in a sports drink used by the team.
Basson and Ralepelle failed random doping tests for methylhexaneamine after South Africa's victory over Ireland on Nov. 6. They were told of their positive tests late Sunday and can still have their "B'' samples tested.
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers is concerned the team's energy drinks could contain the banned substance.
"We are busy sending stuff for testing," De Villiers told South African broadcaster Supersport. "Obviously we have to look at what might have caused this and we don't want to put the players at risk. If there is something that we are taking as a squad that might have caused this, then we must find that out now."
The South Africans' case comes one month after Osayomi Oludamola and Samuel Okon tested positive for methylhexaneamine at the Commonwealth Games. Oludamola was stripped of her gold in the women's 100 meters and Okon was sixth in the final of the men's 110-meter hurdles. He also was disqualified.
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority said last month that nine unidentified Australian athletes have tested positive for methylhexaneamine.
The stimulant has been used in decongestants and has appeared in some nutritional supplements and cooking oils.
The Springboks said Basson and Chiliboy have been taking medication for flu symptoms for a long time without any problems.
The 23-year-old Basson, a winger making his second Springboks tour, already had been slated to return home after injuring his ankle in Saturday's 29-25 win over Wales, his fourth international appearance.
Ralepelle, a hooker who has won 18 caps, came on as a substitute against Wales.
Beginning next year, the World Anti-Doping Agency will loosen the classification of methylhexaneamine to the "specified stimulant" list, which covers drugs that are more susceptible to inadvertent use and can carry reduced penalties.
Sanctions for using the drug can be reduced if athletes prove they did not intend to enhance performance. Penalties can range from a warning to a two-year ban.