The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport has confirmed that Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has not been suspended and would not have been in breach should he have been selected for the Boks’ tour to New Zealand.
MORE: Ntlabakanye denies doping after failed drug test
A Springbok press release on Sunday confirmed that the two-Test tighthead prop had provided an “adverse analytical finding” during testing by the SAIDS.
“Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation,” said the statement.
“The non-performance enhancing substance for which he tested positive was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and taken with the approval and the supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed to manage the medical affairs of professional rugby players.
“Ntlabakanye was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry. He relied on the relevant professional medical advice and at no time did he seek to obtain an unfair advantage nor did he take any medical substance without prior medical authorisation.”
The statement went on to say that Ntlabakanye would not go on tour with the Boks.
“Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the forthcoming tour to New Zealand to allow the player to concentrate on defending the case.”
SAIDS Chief Executive Officer Khalid Galant has confirmed to Rugby365 that Ntlabakanye is not provisionally suspended in terms of the Anti-doping Rules, as is normally the case.
“The non-selection of the athlete for the NZ tour is a SARU decision,” the SAIDS boss added.
A date for Ntlabakanye’s hearing must still be set.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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