Springboks duo are suspended after failed drugs test

Basson, a 23-year-old winger and Ralepelle, a 24-year-old hooker, were randomly tested after the 23-21 win over Ireland on November 6, with the results delivered showing traces of methylhexaneamine.

The two players have been provisionally suspended from all rugby with immediate effect but are entitled to request that their 'B' samples are tested. They were due to fly home last night.

De Villiers is now investigating the rest of his squad and what supplements they are taking to ensure any problems are not widespread.

"We have done quite a bit already," he said.

"We are busy sending stuff for testing. Obviously we have to look at what might have caused this and we don't want to put the players at risk.

"If there is something that we are taking as a squad that might have caused this then we must find that out now.

"When I informed the two players that they had been tested positive they were both extremely shocked and disappointed. The rest of the team were also gutted when they heard. I was informed of this at 2am this morning, and now we must follow the correct processes as laid down by the International Rugby Board."

Basson, who won the third of his four caps against Ireland, was already due to leave the tour because of an ankle injury suffered against Wales on Saturday.

Hooker Ralepelle is slightly more experienced than Basson, having picked up 17 caps, while he was also the first black player to captain the national side when he led them out against a World XV in Leicester.

He was an unused substitute in Cardiff.

Team doctor Craig Roberts, who confirmed the two players were on medication for flu symptoms, said: "The substance could come from many different sources, like the caffeine substances.

"What we are doing now is going through the process of looking at all the possibilities and exhausting them one by one. Obviously we need to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible."

South Africa, who are likely to call up replacements, face Scotland this Saturday before taking on England at Twickenham on November 27.