Rassie Erasmus Explains Asenathi Ntlabakanye Omission Amid Conflicting SA Rugby and SAIDS Statements

• The Springboks coach, Rassie Erasmus, has clarified why prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was omitted from the squad
• SA Rugby had announced that Ntlabakanye tested positive for a banned substance, making him ineligible to play
• The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport released a statement contradicting SA Rugby’s claim

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained why prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was excluded from the squad for the upcoming matches against the All Blacks on 6 and 13 September.

Ntlabakanye recently tested positive for a banned substance during a random doping test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

SA Rugby confirmed that the substance was non-performance-enhancing and had been prescribed by a specialist earlier this year for legitimate medical reasons.

SA Rugby noted that Ntlabakanye had acted transparently, followed all medical guidance, and never sought to gain an unfair advantage.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport’s CEO, Khalid Galant, confirmed that the prop remained eligible for selection despite the “adverse analytical finding,” and he had not been provisionally suspended under anti-doping rules.

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What did SA Rugby say?

However, SA Rugby announced on 24 August that Ntlabakanye had committed an anti-doping violation. The substance had been taken under the supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed to manage professional rugby players’ medical affairs.

Erasmus has explained why Ntlabakanye was not chosen

Erasmus clarified that the decision to omit Ntlabakanye from the squad was not a punishment but a protective measure.

“If Asenathi were on tour, he would have faced numerous questions that could have distracted him from preparing for the game,” Erasmus said.

He added that the player is dealing with a personal matter, and expecting him to perform under pressure while managing that would have been unfair.

“He could have come on tour, but it would have been too much for him,” the coach noted.

As seen in the post below:

Ntlabakanye, who made his Springbok debut against Italy in July, is expected to appear before a disciplinary panel in the coming days. Responding through his management team, Ntlabakanye said he had always played the game with respect and integrity.

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Meanwhile, Erasmus retained faith in the players who featured in the opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship matches against Australia. The Boks lost 38-22 to the Wallabies in Ellis Park Stadium but bounced back with a 30-22 win in Cape Town at DHL Stadium on 23 August.

Watch the clip below:

He also disclosed that the final squad is unlikely to contain major surprises, as the Boks prefer stability when facing New Zealand. Form, fitness, and availability will be key considerations in finalising the squad to take on the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

Erasmus celebrates the Women Springboks

Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus led the celebrations as the South African women’s team made history in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on Sunday, 31 August.

The ladies’ team defeated Italy 29-24 to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, marking their first-ever victory over Italy and their debut appearance in the knockout stage of the tournament.

Source: Briefly News