Springboks tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been ruled out of the team’s upcoming tour of New Zealand after testing positive for a non-performance-enhancing substance during a random anti-doping test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).
SA Rugby Confirms Positive Test
In a statement issued on Sunday, SA Rugby confirmed that the 26-year-old front-rower returned an “adverse analytical finding” following the test. The union emphasised that the substance in question was not linked to performance enhancement but had been prescribed by a medical specialist earlier this year.
According to the statement, the medication was taken under the supervision of a doctor specifically appointed to oversee the medical welfare of professional rugby players. SA Rugby added that Ntlabakanye “was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith, and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry.”
Ntlabakanye Maintains Innocence
The young prop, who recently made his Test debut against Italy in July before featuring in the Rugby Championship against Australia, has denied any wrongdoing. He will now focus on defending his case rather than joining the Springboks on their back-to-back fixtures against the All Blacks in Auckland and Wellington.
“Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation,” the statement read. “He relied on the relevant professional medical advice and at no time did he seek to obtain an unfair advantage, nor did he take any medical substance without prior medical authorisation.”
SA Rugby further confirmed that neither Ntlabakanye nor the Springbok coaching staff will comment further until the SAIDS process has concluded.
Blow to Bok Front Row
The absence of Ntlabakanye leaves the Springboks with limited depth at tighthead prop, especially with Frans Malherbe sidelined through a long-term injury. The options now available to coach Rassie Erasmus include Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit and Neethling Fouché.
Despite his rookie status, Ntlabakanye had been making a strong case for himself in the Bok setup. He provided impact off the bench in the 45-0 demolition of Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and backed it up with another solid outing against the Wallabies. His physical presence and scrummaging ability had marked him as a rising force in the Springbok front row.
Setback Amid Rugby Championship Push
For the Springboks, the news comes at a crucial stage of the Rugby Championship. The defending world champions face a daunting tour of New Zealand, where they will meet the All Blacks in two successive Tests. With their pack already stretched by injuries, Erasmus and his staff will be under pressure to reshuffle their front-row resources.
For Ntlabakanye, the focus now shifts away from the field. His priority will be clearing his name and proving that his positive test was the result of a medically prescribed treatment rather than any deliberate attempt to gain an advantage.
A Rising Career Paused
Ntlabakanye’s journey to international rugby has been one of persistence and promise. Having broken through at provincial level with the Lions, his elevation to the Springbok squad signalled a new chapter in his career. While this setback stalls his momentum, SA Rugby’s firm backing of his medical transparency may work in his favour once the investigation reaches its conclusion.
For now, the burly front-rower will be forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates head into battle against their fiercest rivals. What should have been another milestone in his blossoming career has instead become an unexpected pause — one that Ntlabakanye is determined to fight through.
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