The Springboks have thrown their weight behind Asenathi Ntlabakanye, recalling the powerhouse prop to the squad despite a pending doping probe.
The call-up comes after Ox Nche was ruled out through injury following South Africa’s thumping 61–7 victory over Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Ntlabakanye’s return has sparked headlines not only for his rapid recall but also because it comes while he awaits an anti-doping hearing in December.
The Lions front-rower, who tested positive for a non-performance-enhancing substance in August, maintains his innocence and remains eligible to play.
The 26-year-old missed the Springboks’ tour of New Zealand earlier this year due to the finding but was called up after impressing in recent outings.
This includes scoring a try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks XV at Twickenham on Saturday before rejoining the Bok camp in London on Sunday.
Squad update: Ox Nche has been ruled out of the rest of the tour and has been replaced in the #Springboks squad by Asenathi Ntlabakanye – more here: https://t.co/pZaN6R8rGV 🔁#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/fCxopJ2EZp
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 2, 2025
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones defended the decision to include Ntlabakanye in the matchday setup ahead of this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series clash with France in Paris.
“I’m not going to comment on a case that’s ongoing at the moment,” said Jones in an online press conference.
“I’m not sure the world knows about it yet, but his skill set is actually incredibly impressive.
A very dynamic player, and he can get around for a guy who can handle himself in a scrum or on the ball.”
Head coach Rassie Erasmus earlier praised Ntlabakanye’s readiness to rejoin the fold:
“We feel for Ox and wish him all the best with his recovery. It’s always tough to lose a player of his calibre, but Asenathi is a capped Springbok and knows our systems well.
“Fortunately, he was already in London, so he slotted back in immediately, which is fantastic for us.”
Ntlabakanye, weighing in at 141 kilograms, will now contest the No. 1 jersey alongside Gerhard Steenekamp and Boan Venter as the Boks prepare for their bruising battle with Les Bleus at the Stade de France.
For Ntlabakanye, it’s a high-stakes return. It’s a second chance to anchor the Bok scrum while a storm brews off the field.
