Springbok banned for doping with immediate effect

The sanction rules him out of rugby until November 2027 and effectively ends his hopes of playing at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The ruling, delivered by an Independent Doping Tribunal Panel (IDHP) following a hearing overseen by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), takes immediate effect and brings a sudden halt to his playing career at elite level.

The 27-year-old is suspended with immediate effect and will miss this weekend’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Munster, along with all remaining fixtures this season and beyond.

The Lions confirmed the decision in an official statement:

“The 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.”

Ntlabakanye’s situation had been unresolved for much of the season, with the prop continuing to feature for both the Lions and Springboks while proceedings were ongoing, including recent appearances against Leinster and Wales.

The tribunal decision also strips the front-rower of individual results, earnings and awards from the period since his positive test, although team results remain unaffected. He still retains the right to appeal the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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.