The written decision of the independent doping panel that heard the case of Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye sets out in detail how events unfolded.
Ntlabakanye, who received an 18-month ban last month, tested positive for anastrozole during a Springbok camp in May 2025, and also declared his use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Rapport obtained a copy of the panel’s written decision in which the 27-year-old pointed the finger of blame at Lions team doctor Dr Rob Collins.
Ntlabakanye claimed that he showed the prescription and medication to Collins after collecting it from a pharmacy. The prop testified that he unpacked the medication on the doctor’s desk and received an assurance that everything was “all good” or “shap”.
Ntlabakanye had sought help with weight loss after struggling to achieve results through diet and conditioning programmes. He was referred by Collins to endocrinologist Dr Sindeep Bhana, who prescribed medication that included the banned substances.
MORE: Doc refused to testify in Bok prop case
Ntlabakanye argued that he relied on the Lions’ medical structures, believing the medication had been approved by team doctors.
He further argued the drugs were subsequently managed through the club’s medical department, with weekly supplies prepared for him and administered by medical staff.
However, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport maintained that the case could have been avoided had Ntlabakanye specifically asked whether the medication contained prohibited substances.
Neither Collins nor Bhana were prepared to testify at the hearing, with the panel noting that Collins’ decision not to do so was particularly damaging to the player’s case.
Photo: Franco Arland/Getty Images
The post Asenathi: Doc said ‘shap, all good’ to prescribed meds appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The written decision of the independent doping panel that heard the case of Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye sets out in detail how events unfolded.
The post Asenathi: Doc said ‘shap, all good’ to prescribed meds appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
