The South African hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has been suspended for two years by World Rugby, after he failed a doping test while recovering from injury in February of last year.

Ralepelle, who plays for Toulouse in the French Top 14 competition, has previously tested positive for a banned substance, methylhexanamine, in 2010, although he was not banned on that occasion.

In a statement on World Rugby’s “Keep Rugby Clean” website, World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said: “World Rugby operates a zero-tolerance policy on doping and players are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body.

“Rugby is founded on fair play and the promotion of a level playing field for all players. This particular case illustrates the rigorous anti-doping programme World Rugby implements in conjunction with Wada, both in and out of competition.”

The 28-year-old front row played for South Africa 22 times between 2006 and 2013. He signed for Toulouse in 2013 from the Bulls Super Rugby franchise.