South African rugby prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation, which will see him miss the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 27-year-old declared using the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during routine testing in 2025, stating he believed it was a permitted substance.
Ntlabakanye claimed the substance was prescribed by a specialist and taken under the approval and supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed for professional rugby players. His club, the Lions, confirmed the ban came into effect from 13 May this year, and they, along with MyPlayers, will now deliberate on the appropriate next steps, pending an appeal.
Ntlabakanye, SAIDS, World Rugby, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) all have a 21-day period to file an appeal against the Independent Doping Tribunal Panel's decision. The ban effectively ends his hopes of representing the Springboks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, a major blow for both the player and the national team.
