In a devastating blow to South African rugby, Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban for violating anti-doping rules—a suspension that will sideline him from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The 27-year-old Lions star tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance that boosts testosterone and enhances muscle growth and athletic performance. Ntlabakanye admitted to using DHEA, claiming he believed it was permitted, but the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) charged him, and an independent doping tribunal panel imposed the suspension.

His ban began on May 13 and runs through next November, effectively ruling him out of the World Cup, which concludes in Australia that same month. Ntlabakanye has 21 days to appeal the decision.

A relative newcomer to the international stage, Ntlabakanye earned his first Springboks cap against Italy in July 2025 and has since collected three caps for the world champions. His last appearance for the Lions came in a tough United Rugby Championship loss to Leinster on Saturday.

The Lions organization confirmed the sanction, stating they were notified by SAIDS of the "anti-doping rule violation." In a show of support, the team added, "During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead."

For fans and teammates alike, this is a stark reminder of the high stakes in professional rugby, where a single misstep can derail a promising career and World Cup dreams.