Lions Prop Handed 18-Month Doping Ban
The Lions have confirmed that Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will serve an 18-month ban following an anti-doping violation.
The 27-year-old has been suspended effective from 13 May 2026 and will only be eligible to play again from 13 November 2027.
He must also forfeit any income and awards received since first testing positive on 22 May 2025.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for anastrozole, a non-performance-enhancing substance that had been prescribed by a doctor.
He was also charged for declaring the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a performance-enhancing substance, on a medical form.
The sanction was handed down by the Independent Doping Hearing Panel (IDHP), a neutral body appointed by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) to adjudicate doping violations.
SAIDS, World Rugby and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have 21 days to appeal the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In a statement, the Lions said:
“Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation.
“The Lions Rugby Company, together with MyPlayers – The Rugby Players’ Organisation, will deliberate on the appropriate next steps. During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead.
“As a result of SAIDS’ decision, Ntlabakanye’s period of ineligibility commenced on 13 May 2026, which rules him out of this weekend’s Round 18 Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.
“No further comment will be made by the Lions Rugby Company or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded.”
Ntlabakanye, who made his Springbok debut against the Barbarians last year and scored in the match, joins a list of South African sports figures who have faced doping sanctions, including Chiliboy Ralepelle, Elton Jantjies and former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo.
