The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported 60 anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) for the year ending March 2016, the highest number in its history. The 60 ADRVs are double the 30 ADRVs reported by SAIDS during the previous financial year, and it appears that SAIDS’s testing programme is more effective.

During the 2016 financial year, the 60 ADRVs represented 1.6% of the 3,820 tests conducted. During the 2015 financial year, the 30 ADRVs represented 1.1% of the 2,760 tests conducted.

During 2016, rugby union led the way with 17 ADRVs; followed by powerlifting (11) and bodybuilding (8). Rugby union also led the way with 11 ADRVs during the 2015 financial year, however powerlifting and bodybuilding appear to have replaced athletics and cycling, with reported just four and three ADRVs during the 2016 year, respectively.