Amid a swirling doping controversy, Springboks powerhouse Asenathi Ntlabakanye is set to make a dramatic return to rugby, lining up for the Lions in the Currie Cup final against Griquas at Ellis Park this Saturday. The tighthead prop, with only two international caps to his name, has been sidelined due to an "adverse analytical finding" from a routine drug test. Yet, Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi is not only putting him in the starting lineup but also appointing him as vice-captain.
Ntlabakanye's participation comes despite his recent exclusion from the Springboks' squad for high-stakes matches against the All Blacks, following his failed drug test. The substance in question, reportedly prescribed for medical reasons early in the year, led SA Rugby to defend his integrity, emphasizing that Ntlabakanye had followed all prescribed medical protocols transparently.
“Asenathi will start for us this weekend,”
Nkosi confirmed earlier in the week. He elaborated that while Ntlabakanye faces charges, he remains unsuspended and thus eligible to play. "He needed a couple of weeks to come to terms with what has happened and to put together the case he is going to present, but emotionally he is now in a good place. He will be the vice-captain for the weekend."
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has not imposed a provisional suspension, with CEO Khalid Galant clarifying the regulatory stance. Meanwhile, Ntlabakanye’s case is set to be heard in December, leaving his immediate rugby future hanging in the balance.
Despite the controversy, the Lions' management and teammates have rallied around Ntlabakanye, ready to support him through the unfolding legal and sports drama.
“The cards will fall the way they fall, but we are behind Ase — from the chairman and CEO to the players,”
Nkosi stated, underscoring the team's solidarity.
As the Currie Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on Ntlabakanye, not just for his performance on the field but for the resilience and focus he brings amidst personal turmoil. The resolution of his doping case will undoubtedly have significant implications for his career and reputation moving forward.
Teams for the Currie Cup final: Lions vs Griquas at Ellis Park.
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Amid a swirling doping controversy, Springboks powerhouse Asenathi Ntlabakanye is set to make a dramatic return to rugby, lining up for the Lions in the Currie Cup final against Griquas at Ellis Park this Saturday. The tighthead prop, with only two international caps to his name, has been sidelined due to an "adverse analytical finding" from a routine drug test. Yet, Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi is not only putting him in the starting lineup but also appointing him as vice-captain.
Ntlabakanye's participation comes despite his recent exclusion from the Springboks' squad for high-stakes matches against the All Blacks, following his failed drug test. The substance in question, reportedly prescribed for medical reasons early in the year, led SA Rugby to defend his integrity, emphasizing that Ntlabakanye had followed all prescribed medical protocols transparently.
“Asenathi will start for us this weekend,”
Nkosi confirmed earlier in the week. He elaborated that while Ntlabakanye faces charges, he remains unsuspended and thus eligible to play. "He needed a couple of weeks to come to terms with what has happened and to put together the case he is going to present, but emotionally he is now in a good place. He will be the vice-captain for the weekend."The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has not imposed a provisional suspension, with CEO Khalid Galant clarifying the regulatory stance. Meanwhile, Ntlabakanye’s case is set to be heard in December, leaving his immediate rugby future hanging in the balance.
Despite the controversy, the Lions' management and teammates have rallied around Ntlabakanye, ready to support him through the unfolding legal and sports drama.
“The cards will fall the way they fall, but we are behind Ase — from the chairman and CEO to the players,”
Nkosi stated, underscoring the team's solidarity.As the Currie Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on Ntlabakanye, not just for his performance on the field but for the resilience and focus he brings amidst personal turmoil. The resolution of his doping case will undoubtedly have significant implications for his career and reputation moving forward.
Teams for the Currie Cup final: Lions vs Griquas at Ellis Park.