I'M A SITTING TARGET
YOU South Africa|14 September 2023
An alleged affair, a rage incident and now a failed drug test - we sit down with Bok flyhalf Elton Jantjies to talk about it all
MEGHAN LAWRENCE
I'M A SITTING TARGET

A FLIGHT to France from Johannesburg takes just under 11 hours which, especially if you have an overnight flight, isn't too bad. Have some dinner, watch a movie, grab some sleep and the next morning you're there.

But for Elton Jantjies, getting on a plane to Paris will forever be an elusive dream at least as far as joining the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup is concerned.

The 33-year-old flyhalf was on the cusp of selection when he tested positive for the drug Clenbuterol and his rugby future now hangs in the balance.

It's the latest in a series of controversies swirling around him - allegations of an affair, an episode of rage on a plane and a reported breakdown in his marriage have ensured he hasn't been far from the headlines.

Now there's a drug scandal to add to the list. Elton issued a statement after news of the bust dropped and said he'd learnt of his positive test with "shock and sadness" - but apart from that he hasn't spoken out in public.

So when he finally agrees to see us and invites us to his home in Bryanston, Johannesburg, we arrange a date - and now here we are, driving through black gates up a long driveway to a double-story house.

His housekeeper welcomes us at the door and tells us to make ourselves at home because Elton is still getting ready. She gestures to a white leather couch in the spacious living room where a large bunch of pink roses has been arranged on the glass coffee table.

But when Elton appears from the second floor a few minutes later he doesn't want to sit in the lounge.

"Let's sit in that room," he says, leading the way. "This is my rugby room. This is Elton's space. If I have to work or be alone, this is where I come."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView all
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
YOU South Africa

HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST

With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs

time-read
5 mins  |
5 December 2024
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
YOU South Africa

SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES

John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love

time-read
5 mins  |
5 December 2024
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
YOU South Africa

SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG

A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them

time-read
4 mins  |
5 December 2024
LIAM LAID TO REST
YOU South Africa

LIAM LAID TO REST

More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024
SHILOH HANGS OUT
YOU South Africa

SHILOH HANGS OUT

THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.

time-read
1 min  |
5 December 2024
LEO IN LOVE
YOU South Africa

LEO IN LOVE

He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down

time-read
3 mins  |
5 December 2024
PACKING A PUNCH
YOU South Africa

PACKING A PUNCH

Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it

time-read
4 mins  |
5 December 2024
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
YOU South Africa

I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD

As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome

time-read
5 mins  |
5 December 2024
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
YOU South Africa

'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'

A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars

time-read
4 mins  |
5 December 2024
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
YOU South Africa

THE CLAWS ARE OUT!

Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William

time-read
7 mins  |
5 December 2024