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Springboks' Ntlabakanye given 18-month doping ban
TL;DR
South African prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has received an 18-month ban for violating anti-doping rules, which will exclude him from the 2027 World Cup. He tested positive for the banned substance DHEA in 2025 and continued to play during the investigation.
Key points
- Asenathi Ntlabakanye banned for 18 months
- Tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Ban excludes him from the 2027 World Cup
- Continued playing during investigation
- Self-declared use of DHEA
Mentioned in this story
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport
Asenathi NtlabakanyeLions
Asenathi Ntlabakanye has three caps for South Africa [Getty Images]
South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months for breaking anti-doping rules - a decision which is set to rule him out of the 2027 World Cup.
Ntlabakanye, who plays for Johannesburg-based club Lions, tested positive for the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 2025 and carried on playing while the issue was investigated.
The 27-year-old "self-declared" using DHEA believing it was allowed but, after being charged by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), has been banned by an independent doping tribunal panel.
His 18-month suspension started on 13 May and will take him up to next November, at the end of the World Cup in Australia. Ntlabakanye has 21 days to appeal.
DHEA is a substance that boosts testosterone, which can in turn help muscle growth and athletic performance, and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.
The Lions confirmed that SAIDS had informed them of the sanction for "an anti-doping rule violation".
They added: "During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead."
Ntlabakanye made his debut for South Africa against Italy in July 2025 and has three caps for the Springboks.
His last game for the Lions came in a defeat by Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Q&A
What substance did Asenathi Ntlabakanye test positive for?
Asenathi Ntlabakanye tested positive for the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
How long is Asenathi Ntlabakanye's doping ban?
Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months.
Will Asenathi Ntlabakanye be eligible for the 2027 World Cup?
No, the 18-month ban will rule Asenathi Ntlabakanye out of the 2027 World Cup.
