CONFIRMED: Springbok BANNED for 18 months, ruled out of World Cup
The Lions have confirmed their Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye copped a lengthy suspension due to an anti-doping violation.
Black News 
Lions Rugby Company has confirmed that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation.
LIONS RUGBY CONFIRM SUSPENSION VIA STATEMENT
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.
The ban will be effective from 13 May 2026, and it will rule him out of the World Cup next year.
THE VIOLATION EXPLAINED:
Last year, it came to light that Ntlabakanye had tested positive for the non-performance-enhancing banned substance Anastrozole, and which was apparently prescribed by “a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons”.
Yet, athletes are generally given very little leeway under the principle of strict liability as the responsibility ultimately rests with them to double check everything they take.
Complicating matters further is that Ntlabakanye actually volunteered the information in good faith that he had also taken dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a ‘non-specified’ and ‘performance-enhancing’ substance.
LIONS WERE ALREADY PREPARING FOR THE WORST FOR THIER SPRINGBOK
Recently, the Lions opted to bolster their front row stocks with the recruitment of former Junior Springbok prop Corne Weilbach.
“We believe and hope for the best for Asenathi. If it doesn’t turn out that way, though, that is one of the reasons why (Weilbach) joined us recently,” coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted.
