Lions Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye Faces 18-Month Ban for Doping Violation
Asenathi Ntlabakanye, a South African rugby player, has been banned for 18 months due to a doping violation involving DHEA. Despite a specialist's prescription and medical supervision, his appeal may alter the ruling. The ban excludes him from the 2027 Rugby World Cup unless overturned.
South African rugby prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month suspension following a doping infraction involving the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The Lions franchise confirmed that Ntlabakanye will miss the 2027 Rugby World Cup unless a successful appeal is made.
Ntlabakanye claimed the substance was medically prescribed with professional oversight, according to a statement by South African Rugby last year. Despite this, an Independent Doping Tribunal Panel upheld the ban, which took effect from May 13. The Lions Rugby Company plans to support him through the appeals process.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport and associated bodies have 21 days to lodge an appeal. Meanwhile, Ntlabakanye continued to participate in matches, recently representing the Lions against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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