Latest news with #WorldRugbyBreakthroughPlayeroftheYear
The South African
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok opens up on devastating drugs ban
As far as breakthrough Springbok seasons go, very few are as memorable as that of Aphiwe Dyantyi. After scoring a superb try on debut against England on 9 June 2018, it was his incredible two-try heroics against the All Blacks in Wellington later that season that suddenly made him a household name. In his first year of Test rugby, Dyantyi scored six tries in 13 Tests, and was named the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year at the end of 2018. Yet, there was a bombshell to come. In July 2019, Dyantyi tested positively for metandienone, methyltestosterone and LGD-4033, three substances that were all on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list. At the time, Dyantyi was doing everything in his power to recover from injury and hopefully book his place in the 2019 World Cup. Instead, he ultimately received – and served – a four-year ban from all rugby in a devastating blow to his career. Dyantyi has very rarely spoken publicly about this experience, but he recently sat down another former Springbok, Gcobani Bobo, to share his truth. After receiving the devastating news, Dyantyi admits he went home and was ready to give up on the game. 'I couldn't watch any rugby, or any of the games (at the 2019 World Cup), except the final,' he shares. 'When I was at home, I was dealing with a lot of demons, and for me to even get out of the house (was difficult).' Dyantyi goes on to explain how he was completely shocked when he received the news of the positive test, but ultimately he had no option to accept his fate and attempt to find new purpose in his life. The talented outside back has tried to revive his career since 2013, having started his 'comeback' at the Sharks before moving to the Bulls, but it has been clear how difficult it is for him to perform at the required level after four years on the sidelines. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Sititi signs New Zealand Rugby deal through next World Cup
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn International - England v New Zealand - Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London, Britain - November 2, 2024 New Zealand's Wallace Sititi in action with England's Ollie Lawrence Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo (Reuters) -All Blacks number eight Wallace Sititi, who was named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2024, has signed a contract extension through to the end of the 2027 World Cup. The powerful 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout debut season with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby last year before making his test debut off the bench against Fiji in San Diego in July. "Wallace has made a great start to his professional career," New Zealand Rugby's Chris Lendrum said in a news release. "To receive the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award was recognition of Wallace's athletic prowess, but also his dedication to constant improvement. "We're looking forward to a continuation of his growth over the next two years." The All Blacks have struggled to find a like-for-like replacement for Kieran Read in the number eight jersey since the former skipper retired after the 2019 World Cup, with many considering incumbent Ardie Savea more naturally a flanker. The re-signing is also a big boost for the Chiefs, who set the pace in Super Rugby Pacific this season and welcomed back Sititi from injury a couple of weeks ago for the run-in to the playoffs. "The Chiefs took my family in with open arms and welcomed us right from the start. We really feel at home here. I know my parents and my family enjoy being part of the team culture just as much as I do," Sititi said. "I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me. There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player and I think the best place for me to do is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs." (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Sititi signs New Zealand Rugby deal through next World Cup
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn International - England v New Zealand - Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London, Britain - November 2, 2024 New Zealand's Wallace Sititi in action with England's Ollie Lawrence Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo REUTERS All Blacks number eight Wallace Sititi, who was named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2024, has signed a contract extension through to the end of the 2027 World Cup. The powerful 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout debut season with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby last year before making his test debut off the bench against Fiji in San Diego in July. "Wallace has made a great start to his professional career," New Zealand Rugby's Chris Lendrum said in a news release. "To receive the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award was recognition of Wallace's athletic prowess, but also his dedication to constant improvement. "We're looking forward to a continuation of his growth over the next two years." The All Blacks have struggled to find a like-for-like replacement for Kieran Read in the number eight jersey since the former skipper retired after the 2019 World Cup, with many considering incumbent Ardie Savea more naturally a flanker. The re-signing is also a big boost for the Chiefs, who set the pace in Super Rugby Pacific this season and welcomed back Sititi from injury a couple of weeks ago for the run-in to the playoffs. "The Chiefs took my family in with open arms and welcomed us right from the start. We really feel at home here. I know my parents and my family enjoy being part of the team culture just as much as I do," Sititi said. "I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me. There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player and I think the best place for me to do is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Sititi signs New Zealand Rugby deal through next World Cup
May 20 (Reuters) - All Blacks number eight Wallace Sititi, who was named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2024, has signed a contract extension through to the end of the 2027 World Cup. The powerful 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout debut season with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby last year before making his test debut off the bench against Fiji in San Diego in July. "Wallace has made a great start to his professional career," New Zealand Rugby's Chris Lendrum said in a news release. "To receive the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award was recognition of Wallace's athletic prowess, but also his dedication to constant improvement. "We're looking forward to a continuation of his growth over the next two years." The All Blacks have struggled to find a like-for-like replacement for Kieran Read in the number eight jersey since the former skipper retired after the 2019 World Cup, with many considering incumbent Ardie Savea more naturally a flanker. The re-signing is also a big boost for the Chiefs, who set the pace in Super Rugby Pacific this season and welcomed back Sititi from injury a couple of weeks ago for the run-in to the playoffs. "The Chiefs took my family in with open arms and welcomed us right from the start. We really feel at home here. I know my parents and my family enjoy being part of the team culture just as much as I do," Sititi said. "I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me. There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player and I think the best place for me to do is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs."
CNA
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Sititi signs New Zealand Rugby deal through next World Cup
All Blacks number eight Wallace Sititi, who was named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2024, has signed a contract extension through to the end of the 2027 World Cup. The powerful 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout debut season with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby last year before making his test debut off the bench against Fiji in San Diego in July. "Wallace has made a great start to his professional career," New Zealand Rugby's Chris Lendrum said in a news release. "To receive the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award was recognition of Wallace's athletic prowess, but also his dedication to constant improvement. "We're looking forward to a continuation of his growth over the next two years." The All Blacks have struggled to find a like-for-like replacement for Kieran Read in the number eight jersey since the former skipper retired after the 2019 World Cup, with many considering incumbent Ardie Savea more naturally a flanker. The re-signing is also a big boost for the Chiefs, who set the pace in Super Rugby Pacific this season and welcomed back Sititi from injury a couple of weeks ago for the run-in to the playoffs. "The Chiefs took my family in with open arms and welcomed us right from the start. We really feel at home here. I know my parents and my family enjoy being part of the team culture just as much as I do," Sititi said. "I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me. There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player and I think the best place for me to do is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs."
