Springbok prop\u00a0Asenathi Ntlabakanye\u00a0has officially been slapped with a doping charge \u2013 and he could be staring down a\u00a0four-year suspension.<\/p>\n
According to\u00a0Daily Maverick,<\/a> the 26-year-old was charged by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) on 9 September for taking\u00a0dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)\u00a0\u2013 a \u201cnon-specified\u201d performance-enhancing substance.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the kicker: Ntlabakanye didn\u2019t try to hide it. He\u00a0declared the drug on his medical forms, believing he was above board after getting clearance from two doctors.<\/p>\n \u201cAt no time did he seek to obtain an unfair advantage,\u201d SA Rugby stressed.<\/p>\n A second twist<\/p>\n This is actually separate from the case SA Rugby revealed on 24 August, when he tested positive for a different \u201cspecified\u201d drug during a routine July test. That one was prescribed for medical reasons and\u00a0not performance-enhancing, but still carries a possible two-year ban.<\/p>\n The\u00a0DHEA case\u00a0is different \u2013 and potentially worse. Even though it didn\u2019t show up in his results, Ntlabakanye\u00a0incriminated himself\u00a0by declaring it. Under strict liability rules, players are responsible for\u00a0everything\u00a0they put in their bodies.<\/p>\n A first-time offence for a \u201cnon-specified\u201d drug like DHEA can mean\u00a0up to four years out of the game.<\/p>\n Medical mismanagement?<\/p>\n Ntlabakanye\u2019s case is far from straightforward. Both substances were prescribed and medically cleared, but crucially, no\u00a0Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)\u00a0was applied for. That paperwork might have saved him.<\/p>\n The saga also clouds his incredible transformation this season. Rassie Erasmus had hailed the prop\u2019s near\u00a020kg weight loss, crediting relentless training. It now emerges medical help was part of the picture too.<\/p>\n What happens next?<\/p>\n For now, Ntlabakanye is still free to play \u2013 though Bok management already pulled him from the New Zealand tour in anticipation of Saids\u2019 move. He could yet feature on the\u00a0November tour\u00a0while the case drags on.<\/p>\n The best-case scenario? Proving he acted in\u00a0good faith under medical advice, which might see his sanction cut to two years.<\/p>\n But unless he convinces the tribunal, his career could be defined not by his scrummaging power, but by whether he\u2019s judged a victim of medical mismanagement \u2013 or a banned doper.<\/p>\n Editors Picks:<\/p>\n \u201cNot at the level\u201d \u2013 Four Springboks and four Lions in 2025 World XV<\/p>\n The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2\u20131 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous. <\/p>\n Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut\u2014evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, <\/p>\n it didn\u2019t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby. South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.<\/p>\n World XV<\/p>\n 1. Ox Nch\u00e9 (South Africa \u2014 Loose-head Prop)<\/p>\n The Springboks\u2019 scrum weapon. Ox Nch\u00e9\u2019s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He\u2019s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa\u2019s physical dominance.<\/p>\n 2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland \u2014 Hooker)<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025\u2014scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan\u2019s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.<\/p>\n 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand \u2014 Tight-head Prop)<\/p>\n Now firmly established as the All Blacks\u2019 anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.<\/p>\n 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth\u2019s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.<\/p>\n 5. Maro Itoje (England \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless\u2014dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.<\/p>\n 6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne\u2019s versatility makes him a coach\u2019s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.<\/p>\n 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.<\/p>\n 8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand \u2014 No. 8)<\/p>\n A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE 2<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n