South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA, a sanction expected to rule him out of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The 27-year-old Lions front-rower admitted using the testosterone-boosting substance, reportedly believing it was permitted, before being charged by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport.
An independent tribunal imposed the ban from 13 May, sidelining him until November 2027, although he has 21 days to appeal. DHEA is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency because of its performance-enhancing properties linked to muscle growth and testosterone production.
Ntlabakanye, who debuted for the Springboks in 2025 and has earned three test caps, continued playing during the investigation, with his most recent appearance coming against Leinster Rugby in the United Rugby Championship.
Le pilier des Lions et des Springboks, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, a été suspendu 18 mois par l’agence antidopage sud-africaine, annonce sa franchise ce matin. La suspension a démarré ce 13 mai 2026 et se terminera le 13 novembre 2027, privant le joueur de la Coupe du monde en… pic.twitter.com/5DoE5bGmYm
— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) May 14, 2026
