‘Gerbrandt’s experience is a deterrent to any young player in our system’

Munster Rugby last night refuted accusations the Gerbrandt Grobler affair has damaged the province’s brand internationally and claimed there are no mixed messages about doping within the Munster setup.

Also, Rugby Players Ireland (RPI) believe Grobler’s experience of having tested positive for a banned substance can act as a deterrent to Ireland’s homegrown players within its anti-doping environment.

Grobler, 25, served a two-year suspension after testing positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone while at Western Province in 2014 and was signed by Munster last July, having spent a season with Racing 92 as he resumed his career following the ban.