Springboks Prop Faces Possible Four-Year Ban After Testing Positive for Banned Substance

• Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye reportedly faces a lengthy ban after a recent drug test, putting his November Test availability in question
• This latest case involving Ntlabakanye is separate from a previous anti-doping issue, with sources pointing to different medical and procedural circumstances
• Ntlabakanye has not been suspended, and SA Rugby has yet to comment, leaving fans and rugby insiders waiting for more details

Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is reportedly facing a four-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance during a random test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

The 26-year-old was formally charged on 9 September 2025 for using Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a non-specified performance-enhancing substance. According to Daily Maverick, Ntlabakanye declared the drug on his medical form.

This case is separate from the one publicly announced by SA Rugby (SARU) last month. On 24 August 2025, SARU confirmed that Ntlabakanye had committed an anti-doping violation involving a different substance that was not performance-enhancing and had been prescribed earlier this year for legitimate medical reasons under specialist supervision.

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What is the latest development in the drug test?

The latest drug, reportedly prescribed to assist with weight management, contains the performance-enhancing ingredient DHEA.

Daily Maverick reports that Ntlabakanye received the prescription from his doctors, who had cleared it with both an endocrinologist and a sports physician.

Although no trace of DHEA was found in his system, Ntlabakanye implicated himself by declaring it on the medical form, triggering SAIDS’ strict liability rule.

Despite both substances being prescribed and cleared by medical professionals, the Springbok front-rower could still face a lengthy ban. He has not been suspended and remains eligible to play for South Africa in the November Tests.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus previously addressed Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s exclusion from the squad that travelled to New Zealand in September.

Separately, back in June, Erasmus had commented on the player’s significant weight loss, which at the time was attributed to the rigorous training at the Springboks camp. Later investigations, however, suggested that the weight change may have been drug-induced.

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What are the implications of the tests?

Although Ntlabakanye tested positive for non-performance-enhancing substances, which are banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list, these are classified as specified substances and could carry a two-year ban. Because such drugs do not enhance athletic performance, sanctions in these cases can sometimes be reduced.

The non-specified drug Ntlabakanye disclosed using carries much stricter penalties. It contains Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a non-specified substance.

According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), DHEA can increase androgen levels in the body, including testosterone. Androgens are known for their muscle-building effects, meaning DHEA has the potential to enhance athletic performance.

As a non-specified, performance-enhancing drug, a first-time violation involving DHEA can result in a maximum suspension of four years.

At the time of publishing, SA Rugby has not released any statement regarding the latest development.

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Source: Briefly News