Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been suspended for 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation, a sanction that effectively ends his involvement in the 2027 Rugby World Cup before it begins.
The ban runs from 13 May 2026 and expires on 13 November 2027 — the day of the World Cup final — meaning Ntlabakanye will be unavailable for the entire tournament.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator classified under South African Anti-Doping Rules as a 'specified substance', during an out-of-competition test on 22 May 2025. He also self-declared the use of DHEA, a prohibited anabolic steroid. He was formally charged on 9 September 2025, and an independent tribunal delivered its ruling earlier this year.
SA Rugby had stated that the DHEA was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and taken with a doctor's approval. Despite being formally charged in September, Ntlabakanye continued to play for both the Lions and the Springboks, featuring in the 73-0 November series win over Wales and remaining a regular in the URC.
The tribunal ruled that all of Ntlabakanye's individual competitive results, match fees, bonuses and personal accolades from the date of the positive sample are disqualified, though team results are unaffected.
The Lions confirmed receipt of the SAIDS communication and said the franchise, together with MyPlayers, will deliberate on next steps while continuing to support Ntlabakanye. SAIDS, Ntlabakanye, World Rugby and WADA each have 21 days to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. SAIDS confirmed it is reviewing the decision to determine whether it will appeal.