Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye Denies Anti-Doping Violation After Positive Test
Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has denied committing any anti-doping violations after testing positive for a banned substance in a random test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport.
The 26-year-old, who made his international debut last month, will not be considered for the Rugby Championship tour to New Zealand.
Statement from SA Rugby
In a statement, SA Rugby confirmed that Ntlabakanye was “transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry.”
According to the union, the substance was a non-performance-enhancing drug prescribed by a specialist physician for medical reasons earlier in 2025.
It was reportedly taken with the approval and under the supervision of a medical doctor appointed to oversee the medical affairs of professional rugby players.
Here is the Statement in its entirety;
“Asenathi Ntlabakanye adverse analytic finding
Media are advised that Springbok prop forward Asenathi Ntlabakanye has provided an “adverse analytical finding” during random testing by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS). To assist media and public please note the following:
1. Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the forthcoming tour to New Zealand to allow the player to concentrate on defending the case.
Media should note that neither the player nor coaches will comment or respond to questions on the matter until the SAIDS process has run its course.”
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The post Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye Denies Anti-Doping Violation After Shocking Positive Test appeared first on iHarare News.
