Lions' prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye during the European Challenge Cup game. 2022. Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has tested positive for a non-performance-enhancing banned substance during random testing, South Africa Rugby said on Sunday.
Ntlabakanye, 26, who made his international debut last month, provided "an adverse analytical finding" to the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport and will not be considered for the Rugby Championship tour to New Zealand next month.
"Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation," SA Rugby said in a 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."
SA Rugby said neither the ruling body nor the player would make any further comment.
-Reuters
