Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been suspended for 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation, with the ban timed to end on 13 November 2027 — the day of the Rugby World Cup final — effectively ruling him out of the tournament.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator, during an out-of-competition test on 22 May 2025. He also self-declared the use of DHEA, a prohibited anabolic steroid. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) formally charged him on 9 September 2025, and an independent tribunal has since imposed the suspension, which runs from 13 May 2026.
SAIDS noted that Anastrozole is classified as a 'specified substance' under South African anti-doping rules and does not automatically carry a mandatory suspension, but the self-declared DHEA use formed part of the charge. SA Rugby had previously stated the substance 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 represent both the Lions and the Springboks, featuring in South Africa's 73-0 win over Wales in the November series and remaining a regular presence in the URC.
The tribunal has disqualified all of Ntlabakanye's individual competitive results and associated benefits — including player-of-the-match awards, match fees and bonuses — from the date of the original sample collection. Team results are unaffected.
The Lions confirmed receipt of the SAIDS communication and said they will deliberate on next steps alongside MyPlayers. SAIDS, Ntlabakanye, World Rugby and WADA each have 21 days to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.