South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation, effectively ruling him out of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The 27-year-old, who has won three caps for the Springboks, admitted to using the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) before routine testing in 2025, believing it was permitted.
Details of the ban
The ban was imposed by an Independent Doping Tribunal Panel and came into force on 13 May 2026. South African Rugby (SARU) previously stated that the substance was prescribed by a specialist and taken under the supervision of a medical doctor appointed to manage the medical affairs of professional rugby players. Despite this, the tribunal ruled against Ntlabakanye.
Club statement
His club, the Lions, confirmed the ban in a statement, noting that they are considering an appeal. “Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation,” the statement read. “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. No further comment will be made by the Lions Rugby Company or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded.”
Appeal process
Ntlabakanye, SAIDS, World Rugby, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have 21 days to file an appeal. The player continued to play while the investigation was ongoing, featuring for the Lions against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship just days before the ban was announced.
World Cup implications
The 18-month suspension means Ntlabakanye will be ineligible for selection until November 2027, ruling him out of the Rugby World Cup scheduled for that year in Australia. The prop had been in contention for a place in the Springboks squad, having earned his third cap earlier this year.
