According to a statement, the finding relates to a non-performance-enhancing substance prescribed earlier this year by a specialist physician. The medication was taken under the approval and supervision of a medical doctor tasked with overseeing the health of professional rugby players.

Ntlabakanye has strongly denied committing an anti-doping violation, insisting he was fully transparent in his medical declarations and followed all due processes in line with rugby’s medical protocols.

Jessie Kriel captained the Springboks in the absence of Siya Kolisi. Photo: World Rugby

“He acted in good faith, relied on professional medical advice, and at no stage did he seek to gain an unfair advantage,” the statement read. “The use of the substance was medically authorised and documented.”

Despite his firm stance, Ntlabakanye will not be considered for the Springboks’ upcoming tour to New Zealand. This decision has been taken to allow the front-rower time and space to defend his case.

The matter now rests with the relevant anti-doping authorities, and further updates will be provided in due course.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named his squad for the two gruelling Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks, which will be played in Auckland and Wellington.

Siya Kolisi. Photo: Gallo

Regular captain Siya Kolisi, as well as World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, have been cleared for the tour. Erasmus confirmed that both players have been included in the squad after recovering from a knee injury (Kolisi) and a concussion (Du Toit).

“Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willie le Roux and Jan-Hendrik Wessels have all been medically cleared, while the players who faced Australia in Cape Town have received a clean bill of health and are ready to face the All Blacks,” Erasmus said.

Loose forward Jasper Wiese has also been included, although he will miss the first Test at Eden Park due to suspension. He will, however, be available for the second Test in Wellington.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Photo: Morgan Piek

Erasmus admitted that while the Boks are world champions, this will be their toughest challenge in some time.

“We are under no illusions – both games will be massive. Every Test against the All Blacks is epic given the rivalry between the teams,” Erasmus said. “We’ve won our last four matches against them dating back to 2023, which was only the second time in history that we managed that. It will certainly motivate both sides.

“So, we need to build on what we’ve been working on in the Castle Lager Incoming Series and the Rugby Championship, and take another step up before facing them in two weeks. We travel to New Zealand on Tuesday, which gives us enough time to acclimatise to the time zone. By the time we take the field, we’ll be settled and ready for the task ahead.”

The Boks face the All Blacks at Eden Park on 6 September, with kick-off at 9:05.

Springbok squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand:

Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese

Backs: Damian de Allende, André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs