SAIDS: Ntlabakanye is #NOT suspended; could have toured
REACTION: The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport has provided some clarity on the Asenathi Ntlabakanye case.
On Sunday, the South African Rugby Union revealed that Springbok prop forward Asenathi Ntlabakanye had provided an ‘adverse analytical finding’ during random testing by SAIDS.
“Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the forthcoming tour to New Zealand, to allow the player to concentrate on defending the case,” SARU said.
SAIDS Chief Executive Officer Khalid Galant confirmed to @king365ed that the play, Ntlabakanye, is not provisionally suspended in terms of the Anti-doping Rules – as is normally the case.
“The non-selection of the athlete [player] for the NZ tour is a SARU decision,” the SAIDS boss added.
Galant also outlined the process that will unfold now.
The disciplinary panel, Ntlabakanye’s counsel and SAIDS will mutually agree on a date for the hearing.
This will be in a matter of weeks.
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“The athlete’s legal counsel will complete his file with documentation outlining how the athlete will plead,” Galant said.
SARU said in their statement that Ntlabakanye disputes that he has committed an anti-doping violation.
“The hearing will be held in front of an independent panel that will adjudicate the matter within the framework of the SA Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code,” the SAIDS boss said.
A decision will eventually be delivered, depending on the number of adjournments.
Galant was not able and willing to reveal what the banned substance is.
SARU revealed that it was a ‘non-performance enhancing’ substance.
“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,” the SARU statement said.
“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 authorisation.”
@king365ed
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