"Casts cloud" - Seven Springboks Banned for Doping as Telegraph Questions World Cup Wins

But the sport has once again come under scrutiny after The Telegraph reported that drug testing in South Africa has declined significantly over the past decade. The report noted that the reduction in testing coincided with the Springboks’ rise to sustained global dominance, prompting renewed debate around anti-doping oversight in the country.

While there is no evidence that South Africa’s World Cup victories were achieved unfairly and both titles remain fully recognised by World Rugby, a growing number of high-profile South African internationals have been sanctioned for anti-doping violations.

The latest name to be added to that list is Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who has been suspended until November 2027, ending his hopes of representing the Springboks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Over the years, several high-profile South African rugby players have received suspensions for anti-doping violations. Here are the most notable Springboks and international players who have been banned:

Johan Ackermann was one of the earliest Springboks to receive a doping suspension. In 1997, the powerful lock tested positive for nandrolone and was handed a two-year ban. Ackermann later rebuilt his reputation, captained the Lions and went on to become a respected coach with teams including Gloucester Rugby and Urawa Red Diamonds's rugby division.

Bjorn Basson tested positive for methylhexaneamine after South Africa’s 2010 Test match against Ireland national rugby union team.

He initially received a two-year suspension, although the sanction was later reduced and effectively overturned when it was accepted that the substance had been ingested inadvertently through a supplement. Basson continued his career and remained a regular presence in South African rugby.

Chiliboy Ralepelle became one of the most high-profile repeat offenders in world rugby. The hooker first tested positive in 2010, then again in 2019, and after his third anti-doping violation he was handed an eight-year ban in 2020.

Once seen as a future Springbok captain and the first black African to captain the national under-21 side, Ralepelle’s suspension effectively ended his professional career.

Aphiwe Dyantyi was regarded as one of rugby’s brightest young stars after winning World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2018.

In 2019, he tested positive for several anabolic agents and was suspended for four years. The ban halted the meteoric rise of a player who had already become a fan favourite and a key part of South Africa’s future plans.

Elton Jantjies, a member of South Africa’s victorious 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, received a four-year ban in 2024 after testing positive for banned anabolic substances.

Jantjies had earned more than 40 caps for the Springboks and was long considered one of the country’s leading playmakers, making the sanction one of the most notable in recent South African rugby history.

Sibusiso Nkosi was another member of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad to be sanctioned. In 2024, he received a three-year ban after testing positive for anabolic steroids.

Nkosi had been known for his explosive pace and finishing ability, and his suspension further added to a challenging period in his professional career.

Asenathi Ntlabakanye became the latest high-profile South African international to be banned after receiving a suspension that runs until November 2027. The 27-year-old Bulls prop was widely viewed as one of the country’s most promising front-row players and a potential contender for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The sanction rules him out of all rugby activities immediately and effectively ends his hopes of featuring on rugby’s biggest stage in 2027.