Springboks' Ntlabakanye given 18-month doping ban

South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months for breaking anti-doping rules - a decision which is set to rule him out of the 2027 World Cup.

Ntlabakanye, who plays for Johannesburg-based club Lions, tested positive for Anastrozole - a hormone and metabolic modulator - in 2025, though doing so does not warrant a mandatory suspension.

But the 27-year-old also "self-declared" using Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), believing it was allowed.

DHEA is a substance that boosts testosterone, which can in turn help muscle growth and athletic performance, and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.

After being charged by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Ntlabakanye has been banned by an independent doping tribunal panel.

His 18-month suspension started on 13 May and will take him up to next November, at the end of the World Cup in Australia. Ntlabakanye has 21 days to appeal.

The Lions confirmed, external that SAIDS had informed them of the sanction for "an anti-doping rule violation".

They added: "During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead."

Ntlabakanye made his debut for South Africa against Italy in July 2025 and has three caps for the Springboks.

His last game for the Lions came in a defeat by Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.