Springbok Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s rugby career has been put on hold for the time being. The big question is, when does his ban take effect and when can he expect to be selected again.

Understanding The Ban

In May 2025, Ntlabakanye tested positive for anastrozole, a substance prescribed by his doctor. He also declared using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a performance-enhancing substance, on a medical form. It’s worth noting that Ntlabakanye had volunteered this information, stating that the substance was prescribed by a specialist physician for medical reasons.

Ntlabakanye’s situation began when he tested positive for these substances. The Springbok front rower had been open about his use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a ‘non-specified’ and ‘performance-enhancing’ substance. According to Ntlabakanye, the substance was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons.

Key Details About The Ban

• Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months, starting from 13 May.
• He will only be eligible to play again from 13 November 2027.
• This means he will miss the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
• Ntlabakanye must also forfeit any income and awards he received since first testing positive on 22 May 2025.
• The player, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids), World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) have 21 days to file an appeal against the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Reaction From The Lions

The Lions received news of the sanction from Saids and have since released a statement. The statement noted that as a result of Saids’ decision, Ntlabakanye’s period of ineligibility commenced on 13 May 2026, ruling him out of the upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.

The Lions, together with the player’s organisation MyPlayers, will be considering their next steps. The Lions Rugby Company has pledged to continue supporting Ntlabakanye during this time.