Asenathi Ntlabakanye Handed 18-Month Ban for Doping Violation
In a shocking development on Thursday, the Independent Doping Tribunal Panel confirmed that Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months after being found guilty of a doping violation. The ban comes after his urine sample tested positive for the hormone and metabolic modulator, Anastrozole, during an out-of-competition test on 22 May 2025. Additionally, Ntlabakanye self-declared the use of a prohibited anabolic steroid, DHEA.
The 27-year-old’s ban is effective from 13 May and will end on 13 November 2027. He will also have to forfeit certain income and awards earned during the period he continued to play after the positive test. According to the Independent Doping Tribunal Panel, Ntlabakanye’s individual competitive results and benefits, such as player-of-the-match awards, personal accolades, match fees, and bonuses, are disqualified with effect from the date of sample collection.
Retroactive Punishment for Ntlabakanye
The disqualification of results is limited to Ntlabakanye’s own individual competitive results and benefits and does not extend to a team result. The player, SAIDS, World Rugby, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have 21 days to file an appeal, but the chances of the verdict being overturned are highly unlikely. SAIDS stated that Anastrozole is classified as a ‘specified substance’ and does not warrant a mandatory suspension. Ntlabakanye was formally charged on 9 September 2025 for the presence and use of Anastrozole and the use of DHEA.
Lions’ Response to Ntlabakanye’s Ban
The Lions have issued a statement confirming they will support Ntlabakanye and contemplate next steps. “The Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation,” the statement read. “The Lions Rugby Company, together with MyPlayers, the Rugby Players’ Organisation, will deliberate on the appropriate next steps. During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead.”
