Asenathi Ntlabakanye fails drug test, omitted from Bok touring squad

The 26-year-old had only made his debut for the national side earlier this year, but this setback could well signal an early end to his international prospects.

The Lions player will no longer play a part in the Springboks' upcoming Rugby Championship matches against the All Blacks, instead being given the time to defend his case.

Ntlabakanye has disputed that he has committed any anti-doping violations, and according to a statement released by the Springboks media, he was "transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry."

The South African rugby union also specified that he "relied on the relevant professional medical advice", and at no time did he seek to "obtain an unfair advantage", nor take any medical substance "without prior medical authorisation."

The non-performance enhancing substance for which he has tested positive was reportedly prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and then taken with the approval and the supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed to manage the medical affairs of professional rugby players.

This is not the first time the Springboks have found themselves embroiled in doping allegations. In 2024, World Cup winner Elton Jantjies was suspended for four years after being found guilty of using the banned substance Clenbuterol – a fat-burning and asthma medication.

Later that year, former colleague Sbu Nkosi was banned for three years after testing positive for traces of anabolic steroids.