Rynard Landman Banned for Three Years After Admitting Use of Banned Substance
South African rugby player Rynard Landman has been handed a three-year ban after confessing to using nandrolone, a banned substance in sports as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. The veteran lock, who recently came out of retirement to play for Welsh side Newport, tested positive for the prohibited substance.
With a career that spans both domestic and international leagues, Landman has played for Leopards, Griquas, and Cheetahs in South Africa before moving overseas to join Welsh side Dragons. During his five-year stint with the Dragons from 2014 to 2018, he made 115 appearances and even captained the team.
After his time with the Dragons, Landman went on to play for French clubs Soyaux Angoulême and Carcassonne. He eventually retired after his stint with Carcassonne in France’s Pro D2 in 2023. However, he made a comeback to the rugby scene last season by joining Newport, a feeder club for Dragons, and even played a few matches this season before the doping violation came to light.
The doping violation was discovered through a urine sample taken by UK Anti-Doping during a training session on 8 August. The sample revealed the presence of nandrolone, an anabolic steroid banned in sports at all times according to WADA regulations.
Landman Admits to Using Anabolic Steroid
Upon being notified of the anti-doping rule violations on 4 October, Landman was provisionally suspended from the sport. This suspension means that his last professional match, which was against Swansea in the Super Rygbi Cymru on 21 September, will be his final game until 3 October 2027. Given his age and the length of the ban, it’s likely the end of his rugby career.
Landman admitted to using nandrolone between June and August 2023 while he was retired from professional rugby union. An independent scientific expert confirmed that the presence of nandrolone in his sample one year after its alleged administration was unlikely. As a result, Landman was charged for the use of the prohibited substance and subsequently admitted his guilt.
Newport Rugby Club, where Landman played, expressed their commitment to promoting clean sport and supporting their players in making ethical decisions. Despite the ban, Landman’s legacy in the sport will be overshadowed by this doping incident.
