No getting out this time: Springboks prop faces strict chargers following investigation results
Springboks prop ruled out of All Blacks tour after ‘adverse finding’ in random drug test
Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who played against Australia off the bench in the Rugby Championship opener, has been ruled out of South Africa’s tour of New Zealand after returning an “adverse analytic finding”.
South African Rugby announced the 26-year-old tested positive for an unspecified “non-performance enhancing substance” during random testing by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS).
In a statement, SA Rugby said Ntlabakanye “disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation.”
“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 statement added.
The Boks prop missed the 23 for Sunday’s Test against the Wallabies in Cape Town.
