Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned following a doping offence and is set to miss the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
In August 2025, the tighthead was found to have returned an ‘adverse analytical finding’ following a drugs Test before he was formerly charged in September.
The hearing was held earlier this year and the independent panel have decided to impose an 18-month suspension, starting from May 13, 2026.
Ban ends the day of World Cup final
That would therefore rule him out of the World Cup with the ban ending on November 13 – the day of the final.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator, during an out-of-competition test on 22 May, 2025, but he also self-declared the use of an anabolic steroid.
“In terms of the South African Anti-Doping Rules, this substance is classified as a ‘specified substance’ and does not warrant a mandatory suspension,” a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) read.
“The player also self-declared the use of a prohibited anabolic steroid, DHEA.”
“On 9 September 2025, he was formally charged for the presence and use of Anastrozole and the use of DHEA.”
Ntlabakanye, SAIDS, World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) have 21 days to submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“The Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation,” The prop’s franchise, the Lions, said in a statement.
“The Lions Rugby Company, together with MyPlayers, the Rugby Players’ Organisation, will deliberate on the appropriate next steps.
“During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead.”
Continued to play for Lions and Boks
Ntlabakanye was formerly charged after testing positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) but he continued to play for both the Lions and the Springboks.
SA Rugby claimed that it was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and was taken with the approval of a medical doctor.
The tighthead featured for South Africa in the 73-0 victory over Wales in the November series and has been an ever-present for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship.
“The Doping Tribunal ruled that all the player’s individual competitive results and benefits such as player-of-the-match awards, personal accolades, match fees and bonuses are disqualified with effect from the date of sample collection,” a SAIDS statement said.
“The disqualification of results is limited to the player’s own individual competitive results and benefits and does not extend to a team result.
“SAIDS is reviewing the merits of the decision within the framework of the Anti-Doping Rules to decide whether it will appeal the decision.”
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