Ntlabakanye doping verdict looms as Springbok prop awaits hearing outcome

The tighthead has continued playing despite testing positive for a banned substance in August 2025, but faces a potential ban of between two and four years if found guilty.

According to News24, both the prosecution and defence delivered their final submissions last week, with the panel now deliberating.

A verdict is expected within the next three weeks, with Ntlabakanye's future in the sport hanging in the balance.

The prop tested positive for anastrozole, a banned substance that is not performance-enhancing, but was subsequently charged after admitting to taking the performance-enhancing substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

His hearing was initially scheduled for December 2025, but was postponed due to the availability of expert witnesses and logistical challenges.

Ntlabakanye was initially overlooked for Springbok selection following the adverse analytical finding, although head coach Rassie Erasmus was not formally barred from selecting him.

"We could've brought him on tour, but I had a long conversation with him about it," Erasmus said last August.

"If you look at the emotional and personal side of it, having Asenathi on tour would've led to a lot of questions for him. To play and be ready for a Test, your focus must be 100% on the match. I think in this situation, he needs to deal with the matter and ensure he presents his side of the case. It's very emotional for him.

"Unfortunately, it would not have been in his best interest to be here with us. We had a good talk. This process takes a lot of energy, which is essential when going into a Test match. It would've been unfair to put him under that pressure and expect him to play while he has this to deal with."

He returned to action in September 2025 and has continued to feature for both the Lions and Springboks.

However, his only Test appearance came in the final match of the Quilter Nations Series in November, where he played the last 30 minutes of the 73-0 victory over Wales.

Springbok boss Erasmus spoke to reporters about the tighthead's situation earlier in 2026 and hopes that he will be absolved of any wrongdoing.

"I'm nervous for him because I know how he trained and tried and but then you know it's a separate thing that we don't have any involvement with," he said.

"But I think certainly as much as we can support him, we'll support him, and I hope the right story comes out with the right result.

"He worked incredibly hard and I enjoy him as a person. I don't think he intentionally did anything wrong.

"In saying that, I'm not making any judgments about anything. I just hope he comes out on the right side of it."