Asenathi Ntlabakanye tests positive for banned substance… what this means for South African rugby
Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye ruled out of New Zealand tour after testing positive for a banned substance amid ongoing dispute. Photo credit: Getty Images
South African rugby has been dealt another unexpected setback as prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been withdrawn from the Springboks’ upcoming tour of New Zealand after returning a positive test for a banned substance.
The development comes just days before the team’s scheduled departure for their Castle Lager Rugby Championship fixtures against the All Blacks. While the result of the random test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) raised concerns, both Ntlabakanye and SA Rugby have moved swiftly to clarify the situation.
In a strongly worded statement, the national federation stressed that the substance detected was not performance-enhancing and had been prescribed by a specialist physician earlier in 2025. The prop, they explained, had been transparent in declaring the medication and had taken it only under the supervision and approval of a medical doctor tasked with overseeing the health of professional rugby players.
“Ntlabakanye disputes any suggestion that he violated anti-doping regulations,” the statement emphasized, noting that he acted in good faith, followed medical procedures diligently, and never sought an unfair advantage. Nevertheless, he has been sidelined from the tour to allow him to focus on defending his case through the SAIDS process.
The timing of the news explains the delay in announcing the Boks’ touring squad, which was initially expected on Sunday but has been pushed to Monday. It also deepens the front-row headache for head coach Rassie Erasmus, who is already managing injuries to key props. Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw are currently the only experienced tighthead options, with Neethling Fouché a possible call-up after making his debut against Georgia. Frans Malherbe, meanwhile, remains unavailable due to injury.
While the Springboks prepare for two bruising encounters against New Zealand, Ntlabakanye’s absence is a significant blow, not just to the team’s depth but also to his personal ambitions. SA Rugby has urged the media and public to respect the ongoing process, adding that neither the player nor the coaching staff will offer further comment until the investigation is concluded.
