South African ‘Pratt’ hit with drugs scandal as governing body set to face yet more questions
South African 'Pratt' hit with drugs scandal as governing body set to face yet more questions
South Africa Rugby have become embroiled in yet another drugs scandal, after it was revealed that a member of the Junior Springboks has been accused of using a prohibited substance.
The Sharks confirmed on Wednesday that a urine sample from 18-year-old Kai Pratt returned an adverse analytical finding relating to a prohibited substance.
The B sample was taken on 7 July 2026, with the results released on 22 June 2026, and reports have since suggested that he tested positive for an anabolic steroid.
“The Sharks take all matters relating to player welfare, education and compliance with anti-doping regulations extremely seriously,” a Sharks statement read.
“We remain committed to providing our players with the necessary guidance and support regarding their responsibilities under anti-doping regulations, while respecting the processes and rights of all parties involved.”
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) CEO Khalid Galant confirmed that the disciplinary process is still in its early stages, but that Pratt has “received a notice of allegation that a substance was found in his system.”
Speaking to News24, Galant said: “It was an anabolic steroid and the athlete has requested a B-sample to be tested.
“A date still needs to be set for that process, and the athlete hasn’t decided whether they’ll contest the allegation or the charge.
“No hearing has been set, or decision has been rendered, and the ban only comes into place when a player has been charged and has pleaded guilty.”
“Future star of South African rugby”
Pratt’s talent agency, ICONX360, describes the young prop as “one of the most promising schoolboy talents in the country”, and is known for his “powerful scrummaging, physical presence, and surprising mobility for a front-row forward, making him a standout in the highly competitive South African schoolboy rugby scene.”
The agency also describes him as being a “future star of South African rugby”, touting him for “senior Springbok” success.
His ICONX360 biography reads: ‘In 2025, Pratt was selected for the SA Schools team, one of only three SWD players to make the squad, following his impressive performances at the U18 Craven Week.
‘He started as loosehead prop for the SA Schools side in their annual clash against the SA Schools ‘A’ team in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on July 17, 2025, and also featured in the U18 International Series against European teams like France, Ireland, and England in August 2025.’
For all of his promise, however, his future now hangs in the balance.
Currently recovering from a serious foot injury he sustained during the match against the Argentina Under-20s on 27 April, Pratt now sits a world away from the wider Springbok alignment camp he was part of earlier this year.
“As this is a confidential and ongoing process, we are unable to comment further on any specifics relating to the matter,” a Sharks statement concluded.
South African doping accusations
This isn’t the first time a South African player has been involved in doping allegations. Earlier this year, Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was banned following a positive test for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator, during an out-of-competition test on 22 May, 2025, also self-declaring the use of an anabolic steroid, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
His 18-month suspension started on May 13, 2026, meaning that he will miss the 2027 World Cup.
Other stars, such as Elton Jantjies and S’busiso Nkosi, have both faced bans over the use of illicit substances, while SA Rugby could face further questions over its doping records after it was recently revealed that there had been a significant drop in tests on players.
They revealed that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) records show the number of tests carried out by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) reduced sixfold from 785 in 2015 to 127 in 2024. In comparison, testing has increased by the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) during that period, rising from 998 to 1,241.
The chief executive of SAIDS has blamed the suspension of Africa’s only anti-doping lab in March 2024 on the recent decrease in tests.