Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies is focussing on his own mental health and fitness in the wake of a four-year doping ban that has likely ended his professional rugby career.

The 34-year-old told the Behind The Ruck podcast that he had a positive mindset for the future despite his trials away from the pitch.

“I’m very busy in terms of my own individual development. Staying fit and healthy, you know,” Jantjies said.

“That is one of my biggest things, My dad, since I was a bit overweight (as a child) and chubby and stuff like that, those are things that was instilled in me at that age.

“And it keeps me happy and keeps me at peace. Being in shape. But from a psychological point of view as well. I mean, if a lot of guys were in my position, they probably would have shot themselves or committed suicide. Or they would have gone off the rails.

“I just keep doing what I’m doing. What makes me healthy and puts me at peace. And where everybody smiles.

“When you look at things like that, you laugh at it. When you see social media. For example, there’s Tyson Fury. There’s Mike Tyson. Big sportsmen that use the training for their mindset.

“And for me personally, I think it’s therapy. I think it’s good medicine. And it’s my medicine is to train and not even think about the rugby side. Stay healthy and fit.”