Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will reportedly have his hearing for the use of a prohibited substance this week.
The 26-year-old Lions scrum machine tested positive last year for a substance prescribed by a specialist, with the process now reaching a critical stage.
The stakes are high.
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According to Rapport, Khalid Galant, CEO of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, confirmed this on Monday.
Ntlabakanye could face a suspension of up to four years, a sanction that would likely bring a premature end to his career. Both the Springboks and the Lions will be hoping for a far lighter outcome, or ideally no ban at all.
Despite the cloud hanging over him, Ntlabakanye has remained active on the field. He featured in the Lions’ emphatic win over Edinburgh this past weekend and was part of a Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town earlier this month.
Having made his Test debut last year – earning caps against Italy, Australia and Wales – he has quickly built a reputation as both a powerful scrummager and a respected figure within the Lions setup.
Now, his future hangs in the balance.
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The Lions, currently seventh on the URC log, will continue their campaign against the Dragons this weekend – but all eyes will be on the outcome of a hearing that could have a massive ripple effect.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Asenathi faces career-defining hearing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will reportedly have his hearing for the use of a prohibited substance this week.
The post Asenathi faces career-defining hearing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
