South Africa’s hopes of defending their Rugby World Cup crown have already taken a hit, with two Springboks among the growing list of international players set to miss the 2027 tournament through suspension.
From anti-doping offences to lengthy disciplinary bans, here are the players whose World Cup dreams have already been dashed.
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Hong Kong China – Luke van der Smit
Hong Kong China, who will make their Rugby World Cup debut in 2027, have confirmed the dismissal of South African number eight Luke van der Smit after he failed a drugs test last year.
Born in Namibia and raised in South Africa, Van der Smit previously played for Western Province and Eastern Province. He came off the bench in Incheon to score Hong Kong China’s 10th try as they secured qualification for the tournament.
Just 26 days after that historic victory, the Valley club number eight was suspended from all rugby activity on July 31 and now faces the prospect of a four-year ban, despite maintaining that he did not knowingly break any anti-doping rules.
South Africa – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kai Pratt (Likely)
In May, Springboks tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye received an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation.
The suspension keeps him out of rugby until November 2027, ending any realistic chance of appearing at the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Lions prop tested positive for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator, during 2025. The substance itself does not automatically carry a mandatory suspension.
The 27-year-old also voluntarily disclosed that he had taken Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a testosterone-boosting substance that can increase muscle growth and athletic performance and is listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Meanwhile, it emerged a couple of weeks ago that Junior Springboks prop Kai Pratt tested positive for an anabolic steroid ahead of the SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship.
According to News24, Pratt returned a positive result following a doping test carried out in Stellenbosch on 10 April.
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport CEO Khalid Galant confirmed that the 18-year-old has requested analysis of his B-sample, with the disciplinary process still in its early stages.
“The athlete has received a notice of allegation that a substance was found in his system,” Galant told News24.
“It was an anabolic steroid and the athlete has requested a B-sample to be tested.
“A date still needs to be set for that process and the athlete hasn’t decided whether they’ll contest the allegation or the charge.
“No hearing has been set or decision has been rendered, and ban only comes into place when a player has been charged and has pleaded guilty.”
If he receives a lengthy suspension, Pratt is likely to miss the 2027 World Cup.
Samoa – Chris Vui (Ban ends just before)
Former Samoa captain Chris Vui has had his doping ban confirmed by World Rugby following an offence committed in August 2023.
The 33-year-old tested positive for elevated levels of 19-norandrosterone, a marker for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone, during a test before the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The concentration was almost four times the permitted limit.
Vui went on to represent Samoa at the tournament before being suspended by World Rugby during the competition in September 2023. He has consistently denied knowingly taking a prohibited substance.
After joining Bristol Bears in 2017, Vui made more than 100 appearances for the club. He signed a contract extension in February 2022 that was due to keep him at Bristol until 2026.
Although his suspension is due to expire in July 2027, Vui is considered unlikely to return for Samoa, having been out of professional rugby for almost four years by that point.