South Africa 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Sibusiso Nkosi has tested positive for an anabolic steroid, an official from Bloemfontein-based club Cheetahs told 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 from Barberton who understudied Cheslin Kolbe at the World Cup in Japan, could be banned for four years if his B sample is also positive.
Another 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok, fly-half Elton Jantjies, was suspended for four years last January for using the banned substance Clenbuterol.
Nkosi won the first of 16 Test caps against England in 2018 and his last appearance was against New Zealand three years later.
He suffered mental health challenges after moving from the Sharks to the Bulls and disappeared for several weeks in 2022, triggering a police search, before being found at the home of a relative.
Cheetahs, who gave Sibusiso a one-year contract this year, withdrew the winger from a Currie Cup match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Friday, citing “personal reasons.”
The news of the player’s possible suspension also made its way to social media platforms, receiving comments from internet users who shared:
Nah he must just change and live an athlete lifestyle. There’s no way I can test positive for drugs ngoba I haven’t taken even a sip of alcohol In months.
— Lethu Mthombeni?? (@justlethu_) July 21, 2024
It’s too late now he will get a 4 year ban then he will be 32 he won’t play again
— ISHMAEL ?☠️☠️?????? (@mr_shimmy) July 21, 2024
Source: AFP
Published first on African Insider
Also see: Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus worried about red and yellow card issue during matches
