Asenathi Ntlabakanye has become the third South African rugby player to receive a ban for breaking anti-doping rules in the last two years. The Springboks, who have won back-to-back World Cups under Rassie Erasmus’ guidance, have already seen Sbu Nkosi and Elton Jantjies hit with suspensions following positive tests. Now, three-cap prop Ntlabakanye has joined them by being suspended for 18 months, a development which means he won’t be able to play a part in South Africa’s defence of their global title in 2027.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 2025, self-declaring he had done so on the grounds he thought it was legal. DHEA is a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) handed out the punishment to Ntlabakanye following an independent doping tribunal panel. Ntlabakanye, who plays for the Lions in South Africa, saw his ban officially begin on May 13.
