Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months for a DHEA anti-doping violation, missing key fixtures including the 2027 World Cup.
South African rugby has been dealt another blow after prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye received an 18-month suspension for breaching anti-doping rules, becoming the third player from the country to be banned since 2024.
The 18-month ban means Ntlabakanye will be ruled out of South Africa’s plans to defend the global title in 2027. with the Springboks having recently delivered back-to-back World Cup wins under Rassie Erasmus.. His suspension begins officially on May 13 and runs until November 18, 2027, the scheduled day of the final.
The punishment was handed down by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) following an independent doping tribunal panel.
Ntlabakanye, a three-cap prop who plays for the Lions, tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 2025.. He self-declared that he believed the substance was legal. explaining the positive test by referring to what he thought was permissible use.. DHEA is a banned compound because it can boost testosterone levels.
It is the latest sanction in a worrying sequence for South African rugby. The Springboks have already seen Sbu Nkosi and Elton Jantjies receive suspensions after separate positive tests.
For the Lions, the decision arrives with immediate practical consequences as well as long-term sporting damage.. The club confirmed it had received written communication from SAIDS about the 18-month ban. saying the Lions Rugby Company. together with MyPlayers. will “deliberate on the appropriate next steps” with the player.. The Lions also stated that it will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead. adding that there would be no further comment from the club or the player until the way forward has been concluded.
Ntlabakanye’s ineligibility began on 13 May 2026, ruling him out of this weekend’s round 18 Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.
With his ban set to extend into the period leading up to South Africa’s 2027 World Cup defence, the suspension sharply limits his ability to contribute at the highest level during a campaign that follows a historic run for the national side.
South Africa rugby Asenathi Ntlabakanye SAIDS ban DHEA doping Lions prop Vodacom United Rugby Championship
If it’s “legal” then how is it banned? Sounds like someone got confused.
18 months is crazy but also like… rugby players always getting popped. DHEA sounds like a supplement you can buy at a store too, so of course he thought it was fine.
Wait so it starts May 13 and goes all the way to Nov 18 2027? That’s basically his whole career timeline. Also “missing key fixtures including the 2027 World Cup” like he’s just done. Not sure why SAIDS even takes so long.
Third ban in two years right? So at this point it’s not even an accident, it’s the culture. He self-declared he thought it was legal… dude if it boosts testosterone it’s probably not meant to be in your body, that’s common sense. And Rassie’s winning streak gets ruined again like the sport can’t catch a break.