Fresh twist in Springboks prop’s drug test finding matter as Lions make crucial announcement

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli has revealed that the Johannesburg-based outfit have launched an internal investigation after Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye tested positive for the use of a banned substance.

Last Sunday, it was confirmed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) that Ntlabakanye tested positive for a banned substance in a random test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS).

That led to the 26-year-old, who plays his club rugby for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship, being overlooked for selection for the Springboks‘ upcoming Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

Boks boss Rassie Erasmus omitted Ntlabakanye from the world champions’ squad for the round three and four Rugby Championship matches in Auckland and Wellington.

Drug prescribed to Ntlabakanye by a sports doctor

The drug which Ntlabakanye tested positive for was prescribed to him by a sports doctor earlier this year for a health issue and sources said the player was horribly let down by the doctor who prescribed the drug to him.

Last weekend, SARU issued a press statement which confirmed the results of the prop’s test and stated he disputes ‘that he has committed an anti-doping violation’.

The statement added: “The non-performance enhancing substance for which he tested positive was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and taken with the approval and the supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed to manage the medical affairs of professional rugby players.

“Ntlabakanye was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry.

“He relied on the relevant professional medical advice and at no time did he seek to obtain an unfair advantage nor did he take any medical substance without prior medical authorisation.”

Despite his positive tests, SAIDS have not suspended Ntlabakanye.

“Because the substance is a so-called specified substance, a provisional suspension is not enforceable by SAIDS. It is different with a non-specified substance, such as a steroid, where a provisional suspension is enforced immediately,” SAIDS chief executive Khalid Galant told Rapport.

Springbok international found with ‘adverse analytical finding’ during random drug test

Ntlabakanye did not ask for his B sample to be tested.

The two-Test Springbok is now being assisted by a strong legal team, who are preparing his defence.

Galant said the onus is on the player to prove that he ingested the substance unintentionally.

Could still face a lengthy suspension

Even if Ntlabakanye was unaware that he was ingesting a prohibited substance, he could still be suspended for four years.

However, sources said it is unlikely that he will receive such a harsh punishment, although he could still receive a suspension.

Galant said substances must meet three requirements to appear on the list of prohibited substances.

“Firstly, that it gives the athlete a pharmacological advantage, secondly, that it is dangerous to the athlete’s health, and thirdly, that it is against the spirit of the sport,” he explained.

“It has to meet two of those categories.”

Galant believes the date for Ntlabakanye’s trial will be set within the next week.

The Springbok’s legal team will have to prove that he did not intend to take a banned substance, and that he took precautions to ensure that what he ingested did not contain banned substances.

Ntlabakanye has represented the Springboks in three matches and after making his debut for the world champions in a non-cap exhibition match against the Barbarians in Cape Town in June, he made his Test bow against Italy in Gqeberha in July before also appearing in the Boks’ Test with the Wallabies in Johannesburg earlier this month.

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