Former South Africa hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has been handed a two-year doping ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

Ralepelle, who most recently played his club rugby for Toulouse in France's Top 14, returned a positive sample for drostanolone during an out-of-competition test last March when he was recovering from surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

A provisional suspension was initially enforced and the 28-year-old has now received a two-year ban – with World Rugby confirming the sanction after Ralepelle discontinued his appeal to an independent post-hearing review body.

The punishment is backdated to the point of provisional suspension, meaning Ralepelle – who has 22 South Africa caps – will be eligible to play again from April 10, 2016.

In a statement on World Rugby's 'Keep It Clean' website, 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."

Ralepelle was released from his contract with Toulouse earlier this year.