Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned from all rugby for 18 months after testing positive for a banned substance.
Ntlabakanye has been withdrawn from this weekend's Vodacom United Rugby Championship match for his team - the Fidelity Securedrive Lions against Irish team Munster because the ban is in effect from 13 May.
The Lions confirmed the ban on Thursday and said they would stand by Ntlabakanye.
"Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation," a statement said.
"The Lions Rugby Company, together with MyPlayers – The Rugby Players’ Organisation, will deliberate on the appropriate next steps. During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead.
"As a result of SAIDS’ decision, Ntlabakanye’s period of ineligibility commenced on 13 May 2026, which rules him out of this weekend’s Round 18 Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.
"No further comment will be made by the Lions Rugby Company or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded."
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