Asenathi Ntlabakanye: Daan Human Opens Up on Springboks Star’s Doping Hearing

• Springboks are looking forward to having Asenathi Ntlabakanye available for the 2026 season, while awaiting the verdict for his doping case
• The young prop tested positive for two doping-related cases last year, and has since been waiting for World Rugby's judgment on the issue
• The Boks scrum coach has shared why the coaching crew are still working with the Lions star despite the issues surrounding his doping case

The Springboks scrum coach, Daan Human, has opened up on how important it is for the team to know about the updates from Asenathi Ntlabakanye's doping case.

The Boks' coaching crew are earnestly waiting for the verdict as they remain optimistic that the judgment will come without sanctions.

The 26-year-old prop tested positive for two doping-related infractions in August, 2025. One involved a specified substance that is not considered performance-enhancing, detected during a routine screening.

The second one is reportedly related to a medication prescribed by a specialist that contained a banned substance, although the player had declared it on the required documentation.

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Ntlabakanye's stand on the doping case

Reports indicate that the medications in question were prescribed by qualified medical professionals on both occasions, adding layers of complexity to the case compared with typical doping violations.

The prop was originally scheduled to appear before a disciplinary panel in December 2025, but the hearing was postponed until March 2026 to allow for additional investigations and the inclusion of expert witness testimony. It is now expected to take place later this month.

Indications from different reports on the doping case suggested that Ntlabakanye could face a reduced suspension of two years instead of the standard four-year ban due to mitigating circumstances.

Despite the different reports on what the verdict on the case might look like. Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and Human remain hopeful that the player will ultimately be cleared of all charges.

Springboks still want Ntlabakanye for 2026

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Erasmus decided to add Ntlabakanye to his 49-man squad for the Springboks’ first alignment camp, which was held in Cape Town this week.

Speaking during a Springbok media briefing, Human explained that the prop’s call-up was based purely on his strong recent performances. He said he preferred not to comment in detail on the disciplinary process as he lacked full knowledge of the matter, adding that his focus remained on the players currently in camp, including Ntlabakanye, whose form had justified his selection.

He also expressed hope that the prop would come through the hearing successfully and be available for national duty soon. Human added that he had noticed clear progress in Ntlabakanye’s game over the past year and mentioned enjoying a productive conversation with him recently, stressing the importance of keeping him fit and ready.

Should the Springboks lose Ntlabakanye for an extended period, it would further strain their prop resources. The position has already been affected by the early retirement of Steven Kitshoff and the current absence of experienced players such as Frans Malherbe, who attended the alignment camp while managing injury concerns, and Trevor Nyakane.

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Ex-All Blacks star becomes eligible for Springboks

Briefly News also reported that the Springboks head coach, Rassie Erasmus, could be given the chance to select a former All Blacks player in 2027.

The New Zealand Rugby International is eligible to play for the Springboks through his father, who is from South Africa.

Source: Briefly News