South African Rugby Star Asenathi Ntlabakanye Banned for 18 Months Over Doping Violation BODY: Johannesburg, South Africa – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, a prop for the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, and the Johannesburg-based club Lions, has been handed an 18-month doping ban, effective from May 13, 2026.
The ban, imposed by the Independent Doping Tribunal Panel (IDHP), rules Ntlabakanye out of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The ban stems from a positive test for the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), detected during an out-of-competition test on May 22, 2025. Ntlabakanye claimed to have used DHEA, believing it was permissible, but the IDHP found his case complicated due to the prescription of the substance by a medical doctor. Despite challenging the charge, the tribunal upheld the ban.
The 27-year-old’s suspension also includes the disqualification of all individual competitive results and benefits from the date of sample collection. His last appearance for the Lions was in a defeat by Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.
The Lions Rugby Company has confirmed its support for Ntlabakanye during the appeals process. “During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead, “the team stated.
The ban raises questions about the role of medical professionals in the administration of substances that could be misinterpreted as performance — enhancing. It also underscores the strict measures in place to ensure fair competition within the sport. Ntlabakanye has 21 days to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The South African Institute for Drug — Free Sport (SAIDS) and World Rugby have expressed their commitment to upholding the rules and regulations designed to keep rugby clean and fair.
As the sporting community awaits the outcome of Ntlabakanye’s appeal, the focus remains on the integrity of the game and the importance of adhering to its anti-doping guidelines.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
