Springbok 2019 Rugby World Cup Winner Sbu Nkosi Tests Positive for Anabolic Steroid
Sbu Nkosi, the Springbok who won the 2019 Rugby World Cup, has tested positive for an anabolic steroid, confirmed an official from the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs to AFP on Sunday.
“I can confirm reports that Sbu underwent a World Rugby test in May and his ‘A’ sample was positive,” said the official, who requested anonymity as he is not the club spokesman.
The 28-year-old winger, who played as a backup to Cheslin Kolbe during the World Cup in Japan, could face a four-year ban if his ‘B’ sample also tests positive.
SBU NKOSI PLAYED 16 TESTS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
Another 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok, flyhalf Elton Jantjies, was suspended for four years last January for using the banned substance Clenbuterol.
Nkosi earned his first of 16 Test caps against England in 2018, with his last appearance being against New Zealand three years later.
After moving from the Sharks to the Bulls, Nkosi faced mental health challenges and disappeared for several weeks in 2022, prompting a police search before being found at a relative’s home.
The Cheetahs, who signed Nkosi on a one-year contract this year, withdrew the winger from a Currie Cup match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Friday, citing “personal reasons”.
