With the 2027 Rugby World Cup now firmly on the horizon, the brutal reality is already setting in for a number of international stars.
For some, hopes of featuring in Australia are officially over following anti-doping violations and lengthy disciplinary bans. For others, their World Cup fate remains uncertain as they await potentially decisive verdicts.
Here, we take a look at the players already ruled out of rugby’s biggest tournament — and those whose dreams of making it to Australia are hanging by a thread.
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Hong Kong China – Luke van der Smit
Hong Kong China, who will make their Rugby World Cup debut in 2027, have confirmed the dismissal of South African number eight Luke van der Smit after he failed a drugs test last year.
Born in Namibia and raised in South Africa, Van der Smit previously played for Western Province and Eastern Province. He came off the bench in Incheon to score Hong Kong China’s 10th try as they secured qualification for the tournament.
Just 26 days after that historic victory, the Valley club number eight was suspended from all rugby activity on July 31 and now faces the prospect of a four-year ban, despite maintaining that he did not knowingly break any anti-doping rules.
South Africa – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kai Pratt (Likely)
In May, Springboks tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye received an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation.
The suspension keeps him out of rugby until November 2027, ending any realistic chance of appearing at the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Lions prop tested positive for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator, during 2025. The substance itself does not automatically carry a mandatory suspension.
The 27-year-old also voluntarily disclosed that he had taken Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a testosterone-boosting substance that can increase muscle growth and athletic performance and is listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Meanwhile, it emerged a couple of weeks ago that Junior Springboks prop Kai Pratt tested positive for an anabolic steroid ahead of the SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship.
According to News24, Pratt returned a positive result following a doping test carried out in Stellenbosch on 10 April.
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport CEO Khalid Galant confirmed that the 18-year-old has requested analysis of his B-sample, with the disciplinary process still in its early stages.
“The athlete has received a notice of allegation that a substance was found in his system,” Galant told News24.
“It was an anabolic steroid and the athlete has requested a B-sample to be tested.
“A date still needs to be set for that process and the athlete hasn’t decided whether they’ll contest the allegation or the charge.
“No hearing has been set or decision has been rendered, and ban only comes into place when a player has been charged and has pleaded guilty.”
If he receives a lengthy suspension, Pratt is likely to miss the 2027 World Cup.
