White reveals he wanted Dyantyi at the Bulls: ‘Everyone makes mistakes’

Bulls director of rugby Jake White has revealed that he tried to lure Springbok winger Aphiwe Dyantyi to Pretoria before he ultimately signed with the Sharks.

In 2019 Dyantyi was banned for four years after he had tested positive for three S1 category steroidal substances (methandienone, methyltestosterone, and LGD-4033). At the time he was the reigning World Rugby Breakthrough Player for 2018 and a crucial member of the Springboks and Lions setups.

After serving his ban, Dyantyi signed with the Sharks and his return to rugby is edging ever closer. This weekend he could run out for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship when they take on Munster in Ireland on Saturday.

‘Everyone makes mistakes’

Speaking on the imminent return of Dyantyi, White revealed that he attempted to sign the blistering winger for the Bulls.

“I tried to sign him to come here,” White said when speaking to the media on Tuesday from Loftus B-field.

“What you learn from a guy like him is that everyone makes mistakes, he was young and now gets another chance to play. I’m sure he’ll come back as a better player as he’s got older and wiser.

“As I said, I would have loved to have him join the Bulls as well but we weren’t lucky enough to get his signature. I’m sure he’ll do well at the Sharks,” he said.

‘Special’

Dyantyi played 13 times for the Boks, scoring six tries along the way. His potential saw him marked as one of the future stars and it seems he has lost none of that talent, according to Sharks attack coach Dave Williams.

Williams gave an update on Dyantyi on Monday before the team’s departure for their four-week tour of Europe where they will play Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, and Zebre.

“He’s just got that special ability to do something out of nothing and the energy that he brings to the team is very special. He has got a bit of a tweak injury-wise, but he was firing at the session today (Monday),” Williams said.