Fan-favourite Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye maintains his innocence after a random test for a banned substance returned a positive result.
A Springbok press release on Sunday confirmed that the two-Test tighthead prop had provided an “adverse analytical finding” during testing by the South African Institute for Drug Free sport.
Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation,” said the statement. “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.”
The rookie tighthead prop made his Test debut off the bench in the 45-0 win againt Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in July. In his absence, and with Frans Malherbe ruled out with a long-term injury, the depth chart at No 3 includes Wilco Louw, Vincent Koch, Neethling Fouche and Thomas du Toit.
