Lions launch internal investigation into adverse drug test finding

The Lions Rugby Company has launched an internal investigation into the case of Asenathi Ntlabakanye – who returned a positive Test for a banned substance.

Last weekend the South African Rugby Union revealed that the Springbok prop had returned an “adverse analytical finding” during random testing conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

SARU said in a statement that Ntlabakanye disputes committing an anti-doping violation, stressing that the substance involved was non-performance enhancing and prescribed by a specialist physician for medical reasons earlier this year.

“It 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 players,” SARU stated.

Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli confirmed an investigation is underway.

“I am not allowed to comment until the case is concluded,” Straeuli told Rugby 365.

Ntlabakanye was left out of the current Rugby Championship tour of New Zealand, with SARU indicating that the decision was to allow the player to focus on defending his case. SAIDS Chief Executive Officer Khalid Galant confirmed to Rugby 365 that Ntlabakanye has not been provisionally suspended, as is usually the procedure.

“The non-selection of the athlete [player] for the NZ tour is a SARU decision,” Galant said.

A date for the disciplinary hearing is expected to be confirmed this week, with Ntlabakanye’s counsel, SAIDS and the independent panel set to agree on the timeline.

SARU emphasised that Ntlabakanye was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and followed medical processes as prescribed.

“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 authorisation,” the statement continued.

Ntlabakanye, once listed at 158kg and among the heaviest players in the professional game, was reported earlier this year to have shed 18 kilograms ahead of his most recent Springboks call-up.