Springboks Blow: Key Player Ruled Out of All Blacks Clash After Failing Doping Test
- A Springboks star has been ruled out of South Africa's next game against the All Blacks of New Zealand
- The Boks player is said to have tested positive for a banned substance after being checked by he South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS)
- The report about the player failing a doping text sparked different reactions from the Boks fans on social media
The Springboks have suffered a huge blow ahead of their mouthwatering clash against the All Blacks during their Rugby Championship tour of New Zealand.
The South African rugby team were hit by injury issues ahead of their second-round game against Australia in the Rugby Championship in Cape Town this weekend. The Boks earned a deserved win but had to do it without the likes of captain Siya Kolisi and Willie le Roux due to injury issues.
The Springboks lost the first game of the series against the Wallabies after throwing away a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22 at Ellis Park Stadium.
Rassie Erasmus's headache has moved past players being unavailable due to injury, as one of the key players tested positive for a banned drug.
Ntlabakanye tests positive for banned substance
Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will miss the All Blacks Tests after failing a doping test ahead of the match.
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The prop tested positive for a banned substance during a random doping test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).
SA Rugby issued an official statement addressing Ntlabakanye’s doping matter, stating that the substance he tested positive for was non-performance enhancing and had been prescribed by a specialist earlier this year.
“The substance Asenathi Ntlabakanye tested positive for is non-performance enhancing and was prescribed by a specialist physician in early 2025 for legitimate medical reasons. It was taken under the supervision of a medical doctor appointed to oversee the health of professional rugby players,” SA Rugby stated.
“Ntlabakanye was fully transparent in his disclosures, acted in good faith, and adhered to all prescribed medical protocols. He relied on professional medical advice at every stage and never sought to gain an unfair advantage nor used any substance without prior medical approval.”
As the case proceeds through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels, SA Rugby has confirmed the 26-year-old’s immediate playing status.
“Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the forthcoming tour to New Zealand to allow the player to concentrate on defending the case,” SA Rugby added in their statement.
Reactions as Ntlabakanye tested positive for banned substance
Wyndham41517949 said:
"Let him play. What happened to innocent before being proven guilty?"
JordieBoy71 shared:
"Let it run its course. It looks like he has followed the protocol. Standing him down is best for him so that he can clear the case. Sending him to face media and fan scrutiny in NZ would be unfair on him. Remember how young he still is."
mmxo35 implied:
"Something weird going on, I swear. We'll hear about it in years to come."
turns1997 reacted:
"How is doping considered professional medical advice it’s cheating end of story, doesn’t matter who you are or what your background and ethnicity is, obviously didn’t think he would get caught and the consequences are he’s not travelling to NZ to potentially face the Mighty All Blacks but my question is how big a problem is this for SA Rugby how do we know others aren’t doing it too? It’s a massive scandal and it’s probably something Rassie and the coaches will not want to comment on."
africanteacher0 added:
"The trend is worrying !!!!!! Asenathi, Jantjies, Bjorn Basson, Sbu Nkosi, Aphiwe Dyantyi. I am not saying anything but why only these type of players????"
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Source: Briefly News
