Springbok Prop Ntlabakanye Excluded From New Zealand Tour After Positive Drug Test

Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has tested positive for a banned substance during random testing, leading to his exclusion from South Africa's upcoming Rugby Championship tour of New Zealand. Ntlabakanye disputes having committed an anti-doping violation, asserting that the substance was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and taken under strict medical supervision. South African Rugby supports his claim, emphasizing that the substance is non-performance-enhancing and that Ntlabakanye acted transparently and in good faith, following all medical protocols without seeking an unfair advantage. Despite his denial, the ruling mandates that he will not be considered for the matches against the All Blacks. Ntlabakanye, 26, recently made his international debut and has been recognized as a strong performer for the Lions over the past two seasons. Both the player and the rugby authorities have declined to provide further comments on the matter at this time.