Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has ‘little appetite’ for doping appeal as key deadline nears
Asenathi Ntlabakanye in action for the Springboks and the Lions.
Lions and Springboks forward Asenathi Ntlabakanye is unlikely to appeal the doping suspension that has ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup.
The tighthead prop was last month handed an 18-month ban for taking prohibited substances.
It was revealed in August last year that Ntlabakanye had tested positive for Anastrozole – a hormone and metabolic modulator – before he self-declared using Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which led to him being formally charged.
DHEA is an anabolic steroid that can carry a suspension for up to four years, but the tribunal gave him a lesser sanction.
However, it was enough to take him out of the World Cup with his ban ending on November 13, the day of the final.
Ntlabakanye had 21 days to appeal the suspension but, according to Rapport, he will accept his punishment.
South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport chief executive Khalid Galant told the South Africa outlet: “No official correspondence has been received thus far,” but it is understood that he has ‘little appetite’ to mount a challenge.
Why Ntlabakanye won’t reportedly appeal
Should the Springboks prop appeal the sanction, it carries a risk of the ban being extended, while it will come with significant legal costs.
The 27-year-old still has time to consider his options, however, with June 7 being the deadline for appeal.
Ntlabakanye continued to play after being charged for doping offences which meant his suspension was not backdated, with it coming into effect on May 13.
He will also take a financial hit after being banned.
“The Doping Tribunal ruled that all the player’s individual competitive results and benefits such as player-of-the-match awards, personal accolades, match fees and bonuses are disqualified with effect from the date of sample collection,” a SAIDS statement read.
“The disqualification of results is limited to the player’s own individual competitive results and benefits and does not extend to a team result.
“SAIDS is reviewing the merits of the decision within the framework of the Anti-Doping Rules to decide whether it will appeal the decision.”
The prop has been a key player for the Lions over the past few seasons with his form leading to international recognition.
He made his Test debut against Italy in July and also played for Rassie Erasmus’ men after his doping charge, featuring for South Africa in their 73-0 victory over Wales in November.
READ MORE: Springboks prop set to miss the Rugby World Cup after doping suspension handed down
