Just In: Fan-favorite Springbok prop maintains his innocence after positive drug test results.

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GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 12: Ball carrier Asenathi Ntlabakanye of South Africa during the 2025 Castle Lager Incoming Series match between South Africa and Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)

The Springboks will be without a key player for their upcoming tour to New Zealand after a player tested positive for a prohibited substance.

Springbok prop forward Asenathi Ntlabakanye has provided an “adverse analytical finding” during random testing by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS).

The non-performance enhancing substance for which he tested positive was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and taken with the approval and the supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed to manage the medical affairs of professional rugby players.

Ntlabakanye was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry.

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.

Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the forthcoming tour to New Zealand to allow the player to concentrate on defending the case.

While official details remain limited, reports indicate that the unnamed Bok tested positive during a routine drug screening conducted either during or after a recent international fixture. The sample allegedly contained a banned performance-enhancing substance, which is listed under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited substances list.

South African Rugby Union (SARU) has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that they are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, including WADA and the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS). In a brief statement, SARU said:

“We are aware of the situation involving one of our players and have launched a full internal investigation. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship.”

If the player is found guilty following the B-sample test and disciplinary process, they could face a suspension ranging from two to four years, depending on the nature of the substance and whether it is proven to be a case of intentional doping.

Additionally, the team may face broader scrutiny, and questions could arise around team culture, medical oversight, and compliance with anti-doping protocols.