Springbok and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has disputed that he has committed an anti-doping violation.

This comes after the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) reported an “adverse analytical finding” from Ntlabakanye’s sample taken during a random test by the organization.

The 26-year-old from Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, was expected to be in the Boks squad for the New Zealand leg of the Castle Lager Rugby Championships. The team was set to be announced on Sunday but was delayed to Monday, probably because of the shocking revelations.

The Boks will face old foes, the All Blacks, at Eden Park in Auckland on 6 September, minus Ntlabakanye, who has claimed his innocence in a statement released by SA Rugby.

An SA Rugby statement reads 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 the 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 authorization.
• 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.”

Ntlabakanye is not the first Springbok to face a doping case, as pointed out by rugbypass.com. Chiliboy Ralepelle tested positive thrice, eventually receiving an eight-year ban in 2020.

Aphiwe Dyantyi was suspended for four years in 2019 after testing positive for multiple anabolic substances. Fly-half Elton Jantjies tested positive for Clenbuterol in June 2023 and in January 2024 was handed a four-year ban.

Johan Goosen and Bjorn Basson also served bans earlier in their careers.