Asenathi Ntlabakanye has become the third South African rugby player to receive a ban for breaking anti-doping rules in the last two years.
The Springboks, who have won back-to-back World Cups under Rassie Erasmus’ guidance, have already seen Sbu Nkosi and Elton Jantjies hit with suspensions following positive tests.
Now, three-cap prop Ntlabakanye has joined them by being suspended for 18 months in a development which means he won’t be able to play a part in South Africa’s defence of their global title in 2027.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 2025, self-declaring he had done so on the grounds he thought it was legal.
DHEA is a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels.
South African rugby star Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months after breaking anti-doping rules
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) handed out the punishment to Ntlabakanye following an independent doping tribunal panel.
Ntlabakanye, who plays for the Lions in South Africa, saw his ban officially begin on May 13.
It also means he will miss next year’s World Cup – his ban expires on November 18 2027, the day of the final.
His provincial team, the Lions, said: ‘Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation.
“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.
‘As a result of Saids’ decision, Ntlabakanye’s period of ineligibility commenced on 13 May 2026, which rules him out of this weekend’s round 18 Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.
‘No further comment will be made by the Lions Rugby Company or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded.’
