Springbok no. 949 · Reserve
Asenathi Ntlabakanye
Asenathi Ntlabakanye · Lions
3Tests
0Tries
1Tours
26Age at debut
Test career
2025
First test
12 Jul 2025, age 26 · Reserve v Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Last test
29 Nov 2025, age 26 · Reserve v Wales, Millennium Stadium (Cardiff Arms Park), Cardiff
Biography
Asenathi Ntlabakanye is a huge, powerful Lions tight-head prop. Born in Plettenberg Bay on 15 April 1999 and educated at St Stithians College, he made his Test debut against Italy in 2025.
In May 2026 an independent tribunal banned him for 18 months after a positive drug test from 2025. He maintained he had taken medication prescribed by a doctor. The ban runs until November 2027, so he will miss that year’s World Cup.
Test history
3 tests · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jul 2025 |  Italy | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth | Reserve | W 45–0 | Lions |
| 16 Aug 2025 |  Australia | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | Reserve | L 22–38 | Lions |
| 29 Nov 2025 |  Wales | Millennium Stadium (Cardiff Arms Park), Cardiff | Reserve | W 73–0 | Lions |