South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation, ruling him out of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 27-year-old admitted using the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) before routine testing in 2025, believing it was permitted.
An Independent Doping Tribunal Panel imposed the ban. South African Rugby stated that the substance was prescribed by a specialist and taken under medical supervision. The ban took effect from 13 May this year, pending an appeal.
His club, the Lions, confirmed the sanction in a statement, adding that they, along with the players' organisation MyPlayers, will consider next steps. The Lions said they will continue to support Ntlabakanye during the process.
Ntlabakanye, SAIDS, World Rugby and WADA have 21 days to appeal. The prop has three Springbok caps and was in contention for next year's World Cup in Australia.
