ICYMI: Elton Jantjies to receive much-needed career lifeline

Last week it was reported that Jantjies had apparently drawn interest from French club Toulon as they continued to search for a flyhalf recruit.

That news came soon after it was rumoured that the experienced Springbok pivot could be asked to leave his Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks before the end of the year, believed to be as a result of the recent allegations of an extra-marital affair.

According to highly-respected French publication Midi Olympique, Jantjies is set to be formally announced as a new signing by Toulon, with the article also stating that it will be confirmed imminently as his Japan club are expected to show him the door in the coming days.

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According to a recent Rapport source, his wife Iva previously wrote a letter to Urayasu D-Rocks pleading that her husband’s contract not be terminated immediately.

“The club is gatvol of him. They are going to keep him until December – when the school year comes to an end – and then the Jantjies have to pack their bags,” said Rapport’s source last month. “The club is only keeping him because they feel sorry for Iva and the children.”

However, now that a new opportunity has presented itself, Jantjies could make a departure that suits all parties.

He has not spoken publicly since issuing a statement several weeks ago, in which he took ‘full responsibility’ for his actions, but did not admit to any allegations of an affair.

The dramatic statement came after the experienced flyhalf and Springbok dietician Zeenat Simjee had been released from the Bok camp after reports of an alleged tryst between the two.

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Despite Jantjies and Simjee being sent back to South Africa, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander subsequently stated that they still needed to accurately gather all the facts before deciding whether further action would be taken, while he also questioned the anonymous sources who disclosed the information to Rapport after the story broke on Sunday.

With Handre Pollard still injured, Damian Willemse has now established as a capable back-up at 10, while Johan Goosen is also expected to head on the end-of-year tour as another flyhalf option.

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It’s unclear whether Jantjies could be considered for a return to the squad this year, but an article in Rapport suggests he could be given enough chance to get his personal affairs in order before being recalled.

If Jantjies does miss the end-of-year tour, it could leave him with limited time to earn his place back before the fast-approaching 2023 World Cup, particularly considering this has been a year to forget for the 32-year-old on and off the field.

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Elton Jantjies previously released the following statement:

The Springboks dietician Zeenat Simjee was never with me at either of the two guesthouses that I stayed at. She is a good friend and nothing more. That her good name is now being dragged through the mud is a shame.

I do not want to say much about the newspaper article, except that it contains many untruths and half-truths. I will now concentrate on getting my life and career back on track and wish to do so privately, so this will be my only statement on this matter.

I am aware that newspaper articles about my recent behaviour caused a lot of disappointment, distress, and anger to many people, and I apologise unreservedly to everybody I hurt or disappointed, my teammates, the Springbok management team, and SA Rugby. I also want to apologise to the management and squad of my club in Japan, NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

I sadly let myself, my family, and the rugby-loving people of this country down, and I deeply regret my actions. I did not do the Springbok jersey proud. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am serious about doing everything in my power to change my behaviour. I want to restore the confidence those closest to me once had in me and win back the trust of the public. I hope that I can rebuild those relationships that got damaged or broken.

READ: SPRINGBOKS RELEASE STATEMENT ON JANTJIES SCANDAL

Jantjies, who has played 46 Tests for the Boks, has over 110 000 followers on Instagram, with his bio reading as follows: “Sportsman of Loyalty, Respect and Honour”.