South Africa stunned by scandal after reports Elton Jantjies had affair with dietician Zeenat Simjee

World champions South Africa have been rocked by scandal after fly-half Elton Jantjies and Springbok dietician Zeenat Simjee were sent home from Argentina. 

Reports in the Rainbow Nation suggested the married Jantjies and Simjee, who is not believed to be married, have been having an affair. 

A South African statement read: ‘The Springbok management are aware of reports regarding Springbok fly-half Elton Jantjies and team dietician Zeenat Simjee between the training camp in Sabie and the Test match against New Zealand in Mbombela earlier this year. 

Reports suggested the married No 10 Jantjies (pictured) and Simjee have been having an affair

‘No team protocols were breached, but the individuals are returning to South Africa to attend to these personal reports and to eliminate any distractions to the team’s preparations for the Test against Argentina.

‘No further comment will be made at this time.’ 

Jantjies has been no stranger to controversy this year. 

He was arrested in May over allegations he caused damage on a flight from Dubai to Johannesburg. 

Jantjies has generally been backup to Handre Pollard under boss Jacques Nienaber (pictured)

The charges were withdrawn in June, with reports stating they were dropped after he agreed to pay for the damage he caused.

His lawyer Nabeela Moola told AFP that charges had been provisionally withdrawn ‘based on the representations made to the state.’ 

The case was later withdrawn by South African prosecutors, on the orders of the senior state prosecutor, with no reason given publicly. 

Jantjies, 32, whose club side is Japanese outfit NTT Red Hurricanes, has generally played second fiddle to first-choice outside-half Handre Pollard of Leicester Tigers under current head coach Jacques Nienaber.

Full-back Damian Willemse can also cover No 10, potentially threatening Jantjies’ position ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.