A well-known Western Province Springbok forward has tested positive for using a banned substance. According to a source, it's not one of the Boks on tour in Argentina.

The name of the player hasn't been revealed yet, but the SA Rugby Football Union have confirmed that a player has tested positive.

If found guilty, the player could be banned from playing rugby for at least two years according to International Rugby Board rules. Sarfu have informed the player in writing that he has tested positive and he has until next Friday to respond.

Should the player believe he is innocent, he can ask for a test to be done on his B sample. If this test proves negative, he will escape being censured. The Springbok can also request that he appear before a Sarfu disciplinary committee to explain why he might have tested positive.

According to the source, the player tested positive for steroids. The test wasn't done after the Currie Cup final.

Commenting on the issue, Sarfu said in a statement: "The SA Rugby Football Union confirmed reports on Friday that a player has tested positive for a banned substance.

"As Sarfu is bound by confidentiality in this regard, it's not at liberty to disclose the name of the player nor the nature of the substance involved.

"Sarfu can confirm that the player has been informed of the positive test result and has been given 14 days, until November 10, to request that his 'B' sample be tested and/or whether he wishes to appear before a SARFU tribunal.

"As yet SARFU has received no response in this regard. No further comment will be made on this matter at this stage."

The last top player to have tested positive was Lions lock Johan Ackermann - a Blue Bull at the time - who returned to rugby this year after being banned for two years. He was found guilty of using anabolic steroids.