Goodnews; Springboks prop NOT banned despite ‘adverse’ drug test finding
Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye could have been selected for the tour to New Zealand despite providing an “adverse analytical finding” during random testing.
This is according to the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Chief Executive Officer Khalid Galant.
Ntlabakanye was not considered for selection for the upcoming Tests against the All Blacks in Aotearoa after the failed doping test, with Rassie Erasmus cutting him from his springboks squad for the round two and three Rugby championship matches.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye is available for selection
On Sunday, SA Rugby confirmed the results of the prop’s test and stated he disputes ‘that he has committed an anti-doping violation’.
The statement added: “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.”
The Springboks made the decision not to select the front-row forward, who debuted against Italy in July, for the upcoming games against the All Blacks in order for him to “concentrate on defending the case”.
However, unlike other failed doping tests, Ntlabakanye has not been provisionally suspended in terms of the Anti-Doping Rules.
The non-selection of the athlete [player] for the NZ tour is a SARU decision,” the SAIDS boss told reporters.
In the coming weeks, Ntlabakanye will face a disciplinary panel.
“The athlete’s legal counsel will complete his file with documentation outlining how the athlete will plead,” Galant added.
The hearing will be held in front of an independent panel that will adjudicate the matter within the framework of the SA Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code.”
Prop responds
Rugby365 also confirmed that Galant was unable to reveal the banned substance that was evident in the prop’s test.
“I have always played the game with integrity and respect,” Ntlabakanye said in a brief personal statement released through his management.
“I trust that the process will show I did not seek to gain an unfair advantage. My only wish is to represent my country with honour.”
In his absence, Erasmus has not called in any front-row cover with Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, and Wilco Louw set to provide options on the tighthead side of the scrum with Boan Venter, Ox Nche and possibly Jan-Hendrik Wessels on the loosehead.
South Africa face New Zealand at Eden Park, a ground where the All Blacks have been unbeaten in their last 50 Tests, before the two sides collide in Wellington.
The Springboks will then return home for a meeting with Argentina in Durban before concluding their Rugby Championship campaign against the same opposition at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
