It's a story that has captured the attention of rugby enthusiasts worldwide. The alleged love affair between Elton Jantjies and Zeenat Simjee, colleagues within the Springboks team, sent shockwaves through South African rugby, tarnishing the reputation of the Springboks brand. As the Rugby Championship approaches, the Springboks have made a bold decision: Zeenat Simjee is back with the team as their dietitian, but Elton Jantjies has been left out of the squad.
The Backstory: A Scandal That Shook the Springboks
For the past nine months, headlines have been dominated by the scandalous affair between Jantjies and Simjee. The Springboks endured an overseas tour and three alignment camps, all while Jantjies was left out of the selection process. Meanwhile, Simjee seamlessly resumed her role as the team's dietitian at the beginning of this year. How did this happen?
Why Zeenat is Back and Elton is Not
Contrary to popular belief, Jantjies' omission from the squad has little to do with his off-field scandals. His struggles with injuries and poor form while playing for a team in the French second division marked the real reason for his non-selection. Once considered the second-choice flyhalf for the Springboks, Jantjies' dip in form coincided with the emergence of Manie Libbok at the Stormers, making him surplus to requirements at the international level.
Jantjies' absence from the squad is purely merit-based. His infidelity did not influence his exclusion. His performance simply did not convince selectors that he deserved a spot among the 40-man Springboks squad.
Where Are They Now?
As the 40-player Springbok squad assembles for the upcoming Rugby Championship, Zeenat Simjee stands firmly as a vital member of the management team. With her expertise as a dietician and sports nutritionist, she is likely to accompany the team to the Rugby World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, Elton Jantjies and his family are enjoying a vacation in Alanya, a stunning resort town along Turkey's central Mediterranean coast. Posts on their social media accounts show the couple delighting in their holiday.
Capturing a Moment in Time
To highlight the past involvement of Jantjies and Simjee with the Springboks, here's a photo of them together during their time in camp:
Springboks pair Elton Jantjies and Zeenat Simjee. Photos: Backpagepix.
In conclusion, the decision to bring Zeenat Simjee back into the Springboks fold as their team dietitian while leaving out Elton Jantjies indicates a focus on performance and merit. The Springboks management team has made a bold move, prioritizing the team's success above personal affairs. As the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup approach, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the Springboks' journey to triumph on the global stage.
