Springbok and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed a hefty 18-month ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance, ruling him out of next year’s World Cup in Australia. The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel (IDHP) issued the ban, which is effective from May 13 and ends on November 13, 2027.
The 27-year-old will also have to forfeit any income and awards he received since first testing positive on May 22, 2025. However, the Lions will not be penalised in any way for fielding Ntlabakanye in matches in the United Rugby Championship during the deliberation period.
Doping Violation
Ntlabakanye’s urine sample tested positive for the Hormone and Metabolic Modulator, Anastrozole, during an out-of-competition test a year ago. Under South African Anti-Doping Rules, this substance is classified as a “specified substance” and does not warrant a mandatory suspension. The player also self-declared the use of a prohibited anabolic steroid, DHEA.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Anastrozole is a substance that can be used to boost athletic performance. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is responsible for enforcing anti-doping rules in South Africa.
Next Steps
The IDHP is a neutral body responsible for ruling on doping violations. Asenathi, SAIDS, World Rugby, and WADA have 21 days within which to file an appeal against the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Lions said they will deliberate on the appropriate next steps with MyPlayers.
- The player’s period of ineligibility commenced on May 13, 2026
- Ntlabakanye is ruled out of this weekend’s Round 18 United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster
- The Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead
The union added that no further comment will be made by the Lions or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded.
