Springbok and 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Sbu Nkosi has been handed a three-year ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.
Nkosi, a key player in South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph, was banned by World Rugby after testing positive for the banned substance, his club, the Cheetahs, confirmed on Monday.
“Sbu had a World Rugby test in May, and his A sample came back positive. He has been banned for three years,” a Cheetahs official told AFP, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to make official statements.
The test revealed traces of an anabolic steroid commonly used by bodybuilders. According to reports from South African media, Nkosi’s suspension will last until July 15, 2027.
Nkosi, aged 28, made 16 appearances for the Springboks and was a crucial backup to Cheslin Kolbe during the World Cup in Japan. He is now the second member of the 2019 squad to be suspended for doping, following flyhalf Elton Jantjies, who received a four-year ban in January for using a banned substance.
Nkosi debuted for South Africa in 2018 against England and earned his last cap in 2021 against New Zealand, scoring nine tries during his international career. His professional journey was marred by mental health struggles while playing for the Bulls, leading to his disappearance in 2022, which prompted a police search. He was eventually found at a relative’s home.
After stints with the Sharks and Bulls, Nkosi joined the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs in March 2023 on a one-year contract.
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