In what is another shock to the Springboks ahead of their departure for the New Zealand leg of the Castle Lager Rugby Championships, burly prop Asenathi Ntalabakanye has been ruled out of the tour after testing positive for a banned substance.
The Bok prop disputes his guilt and SA Rugby released a strongly worded statement to back him up that the substance - which they say is “non-performance enhancing” is a misunderstanding.
Still, Ntlabakanye will not tour with the Boks as they head to New Zealand for their two tests against the old foe, the All Blacks.
The news was probably the reason why the Boks delayed their anticipated squad announcement until Monday, after Rassie Erasmus had said it would be named on Sunday.
The Springbok statement said that Ntlabakanye was taking the substance under the supervision of a “specialist physician” 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.”
The SA Rugby statement read as follows: “Media are advised that Springbok prop forward Asenathi Ntlabakanye has provided an “adverse analytical finding” during random testing by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS). To assist media and public please note the following:
- Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation.
- 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.
- Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the forthcoming tour to New Zealand to allow the player to concentrate on defending the case.
“Media should note that neither the player nor coaches will comment or respond to questions on the matter until the SAIDS process has run its course.”
The news comes at a bad time for the Boks, who have injuries to props across the board.
While Thomas du Toit played in Cape Town and Wilco Louw is the other tighthead, there are no other tightheads in the squad at the moment.
Neethling Fouche can be called up and made his debut against Georgia, while Frans Malherbe is still injured.
The Boks said they will name their side on Monday.