Springbok Prodigy Hit with Doping Suspension

Springbok Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye Suspended for 18 Months

Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been suspended for 18 months after testing positive for prohibited substances. The 27-year-old prop, who earned four Test caps last season, had been waiting to learn his fate after testing positive for Anastrozole, a non-performance-enhancing banned substance, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a ‘non-specified’ and ‘performance-enhancing’ substance.

The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel (IDHP) handed down its verdict, and Ntlabakanye’s ban will be effective from 13 May 2026. This means he will miss out on the World Cup next year. The Lions Rugby Company confirmed that they had received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Ntlabakanye.

Ntlabakanye had volunteered the information about taking DHEA in good faith. However, under the principle of strict liability, athletes are responsible for double-checking everything they take. The ban could have been as long as four years, but the panel showed some leniency.

Lions’ Next Steps

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. The player, 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 (CAS).

Ntlabakanye had been a mainstay at the Lions since 2020 and had just got himself into some of the best shape of his life when the news of his positive tests became public. The Lions had already been preparing for the worst, recruiting former Junior Springbok prop Corne Weilbach to bolster their front row stocks.

Coach’s Comments

“We believe and hope for the best for Asenathi,” coach Ivan van Rooyen said. “If it doesn’t turn out that way, though, that is one of the reasons why (Weilbach) joined us recently.”

The Lions will continue to support Ntlabakanye during this challenging time.