Philip de Bruin has recently written an article on Sport 24 titled, Bok caught using cocaine

The article states that Bulls and former Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wanneburg has admitted to using abusing alcohol and also using the drugs cocaine and ecstasy.

It does not state what time period this was reported to have occurred, although it does make reference to his mother finding the straw he used to snort cocaine in his bedroom.

He has reportedly been warned by Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, but again a time period was not stated in the article. He is now apparently tested every week by the Bulls medical team for alcohol and drug abuse.

A video was sent to the Blue Bulls rugby union (BBRU) after Wannenburg had used drugs in a nightclub and was caught out on camera. This is apparently when Frans Ludeke’s warned Wannenburg, indicating it was a quite a recent event as Ludeke has only been at the Bulls for 2 years.

Wannenburg has openly admitted to his problems and still harbours dreams of wearing the Springbok jersey. He may have had issues in the past, but he has tried  to deal with those albeit a difficult habit to kick, and has focused on regaining the health and form of his prime.

Wannenburg may have suffered from lack of game time and lack of focus. At his best he remains a great player. I have always been a big fan. Possesses a good step for a forward and unlike the traditional South African forward he uses his skill to get over the advantage line rather than trying to run over the opposition.

If anything it highlights the problem that some of today’s professional players run into. My question is what are team management, fellow players and administrators doing to prepare our players and ensure these sorts of incidents don’t happen?

One can never control what an individual ultimately does, (such as Joost van der Westhuizen), but your mates should be help you through your touh times and look out for you. Considering the family atmosphere at the Bulls, this is disappointing.

Wannenburg co-owns the Springbok bar (there are 2 venues), with Kurt Darren. Possibly not the most appropriate investment! However the fact Wannenburg has admitted to his problems and wants to move forward before doing something really stupid indicates his courage. I still feel he has plenty to offer on the rugby field and look forward to him being a key member of the Bulls in 2010 and beyond.

Wannenburg’s story is in the latest issue of Afrikaans magazine Finesse which is available on Monday.