Another Springbok faces doping ban

Wednesday, 08 July 2026 at 14:25

byCharlie Elliott

Junior Springboks prop Kai Pratt has tested positive for an anabolic steroid ahead of the SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship.

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According to News24, Pratt returned a positive doping test following a screening conducted in Stellenbosch on 10 April.

South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) CEO Khalid Galant confirmed that the 18-year-old has requested testing of his B-sample, with the disciplinary process still at an early stage.

“The athlete has received a notice of allegation that a substance was found in his system,” Galant told News24.

“It was an anabolic steroid and the athlete has requested a B-sample to be tested.

“A date still needs to be set for that process and the athlete hasn’t decided whether they’ll contest the allegation or the charge.

“No hearing has been set or decision has been rendered, and ban only comes into place when a player has been charged and has pleaded guilty.”

The development follows the recent suspension of another South African prop, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who received an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation.

Ntlabakanye, who plays for the Johannesburg-based Lions, tested positive for Anastrozole, a hormone and metabolic modulator, in 2025. The substance alone does not carry a mandatory suspension.

The 27-year-old also voluntarily disclosed that he had taken Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a testosterone-boosting substance that can enhance muscle growth and athletic performance and is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list.

Pratt represented South Africa U18 last year and attended the Springboks' first alignment camp of 2026.

Sudáfrica confirmó un plantel de 47 jugadores para un campamento de entrenamiento de 4 días de cara a sus compromisos en la temporada 2026.

Plantel completo: Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Kai Pratt, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom,… pic.twitter.com/vi0GMAParn

— Pasion Por Rugby (@PasionPorRugby) February 26, 2026

The Sharks-contracted front rower was ruled out of this year's World Rugby U20 Championship after suffering a foot injury against Argentina U20 in Gqeberha on 27 April.

In a statement released today, the Sharks said:

“The Sharks take all matters relating to player welfare, education and compliance with anti-doping regulations extremely seriously.

“We remain committed to providing our players with the necessary guidance and support regarding their responsibilities under anti-doping regulations, while respecting the processes and rights of all parties involved.

“Pratt is currently recovering from a serious foot injury, which required surgery. His rehabilitation programme is expected to take approximately six months.

“No further comment will be made at this stage.”