‘I’m behind you’: Gayton encourages ‘disgraced’ Springbok [video]

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has shared a message of encouragement with “disgraced” Springbok Elton Jantjies.

In recent years, the former flyhalf courted controversy over a doping ban, an extra-marital affair, and allegations of domestic abuse.

Like Elton, Gayton has also had a troubled past, which included a 10-year prison term for armed robbery.

GAYTON MCKENZIE SHARES MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR ELTON JANTJIES

In a clip posted on Elton Jantjies’s Instagram account, Minister Gayton McKenzie was seen praising the former Springbok, who is now a rugby coach.

He said of the rugby player: “Congratulations, I am proud of you. I can see what you do for rugby and how hard you work for the Game Changers [Elton’s company]. 

“Forget the naysayers. You keep fighting. I’m behind you. Let me know if you need some help, I’m available”.

Elton captioned the clip: “A message from a true leader”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elton Jantjies (@eltonjantjies)

In another clip, Elton Jantjies thanked Gayton McKenzie for his words of encouragement.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to change lives using the form of rugby. That’s what God wants me to do…through being an example and speaking through actions”.

WHAT IS ‘DISGRACED’ SPRINGBOK UP TO NOW?

In January, Elton Jantjies appeared on the Behind The Ruck podcast, where he insisted that his professional playing career was not over. This despite a four-year doping ban issued by the South African Institute of Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) a year ago.

In 2023, the ex-Springbok tested positive for an illegal substance, Clenbuterol.

When co-presenter Rudy Paige, also a former Springbok, asked Elton if he was retired, the latter firmly responded: “No!”

Elton – who last played for the Boks in 2022 – would only be eligible to play again in three years, in 2028, at the age of 37.

Rudy then asked if Jantjies expected to return to professional rugby, either at national or club level. 

Jantjies responded: “200%….soon”.

Elton’s last stint with the Springboks was in 2022, when he was linked to an alleged affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee. He’s also reportedly been let go of clubs Agen and Red Hurricanes over a series of scandals.

Elton has now ventured into rugby coaching through his company, The Game Changers. According to the infamous flyhalf, he offered personalised and individual coaching to both professional and amateur rugby players, something he claims has “never been done before.”

DO YOU THINK ELTON JANTJIES WILL EVER RETURN TO THE SPRINGBOKS?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.