Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is facing a verdict within three weeks after both prosecution and defence wrapped up closing arguments before the anti-doping panel.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for anastrozole — a non-performance-enhancing banned substance — in August 2025, though the charge was complicated after he admitted to also taking DHEA, a performance-enhancing substance. The panel is now deliberating, with a guilty finding carrying a potential ban of between two and four years.
The hearing was originally scheduled for December 2025 but was delayed due to expert witness availability and logistical issues. Despite the pending case, Ntlabakanye has continued to play for the Lions and the Springboks, with his sole Test appearance coming off the bench in the 73-0 Quilter Nations Series victory over Wales in November, where he played the final 30 minutes.
Erasmus opted against taking him on the preceding tour, citing the mental and emotional demands of the process. "If you look at the emotional and personal side of it, having Asenathi on tour would've led to a lot of questions for him," Erasmus said at the time. "To play and be ready for a Test, your focus must be 100% on the match."
More recently, Erasmus made clear where his sympathies lie while stopping short of prejudging the outcome. "I'm nervous for him because I know how he trained and tried," he said. "I don't think he intentionally did anything wrong. In saying that, I'm not making any judgments about anything. I just hope he comes out on the right side of it."