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Ntlabakanye Doping Hearing Adjourned for Late-April Arguments

The prop remains available for the Lions as SAIDS applies strict-liability rules to his case.

Overview

  • After five days of evidence in Johannesburg, the SAIDS case paused for closing arguments in the last week of April, with a ruling to follow.
  • Ntlabakanye faces two linked matters: an adverse finding for the specified drug anastrozole from July 2025 testing, and a charge over DHEA that he declared but did not test positive for.
  • SAIDS chief Khalid Galant said a decision is hoped for within two weeks of arguments, while the player’s lawyer said the panel could take up to 60 days.
  • Reports say doctors prescribed and cleared both drugs without a Therapeutic Use Exemption, which may lessen blame but does not cancel athlete responsibility under strict-liability rules.
  • He is not suspended and continues to play for the Lions, and coach Ivan van Rooyen said the club signed prop Corne Weilbach to boost cover in case a ban is imposed.