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Springbok prop Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban for doping violation

Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban by SAIDS for an anti-doping rule violation, ruling him out immediately and sidelining him from all rugby until November 2027.

Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned from all rugby for 18 months after testing positive for a banned substance, with the suspension effective from 13 May 2026.

The Lions confirmed the sanction on Thursday, stating they had received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) following an anti-doping rule violation. Ntlabakanye is immediately ruled out of the Lions' Round 18 URC fixture against Munster this weekend.

The Lions say they will stand by the prop and are working with MyPlayers – The Rugby Players' Organisation to determine next steps. The club has indicated no further comment will be made until that process is concluded.

Sources

SuperSport Rugbyhttps://supersport.com/rugby/news/8afa2dd9-47dc-4dcf-b024-0170c2b420c2/breaking-bok-ntlabakanye-banned-for-18-months

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