Springbok Winger S'bu Nkosi Risks Four-Year Ban Following Positive Doping Test

In a development that could significantly taint his career, South African rugby winger S'bu Nkosi, a key figure in the Springboks' 2019 World Cup triumph, has tested positive for an anabolic steroid. This was confirmed by an official from the Cheetahs, the Bloemfontein-based team which recently signed Nkosi on a one-year deal. The shock revelation regarding Nkosi's May doping test could see him facing a lengthy four-year ban if his B sample also tests positive.

The 28-year-old Nkosi has been a rising star in the rugby world since his international debut against England in 2018. Scoring nine tries across 16 Test matches, his performance has been nothing short of impressive. However, his last match appearance against the New Zealand All Blacks foreshadowed a halt in his international rugby journey.

Nkosi is not the first Springbok to be ensnared in doping controversies. His case echoes the unfortunate situation of Elton Jantjies and Aphiwe Dyantyi – Jantjies was suspended for four years in January for his infringement, and Dyantyi missed out on the 2019 World Cup squad due to a ban for multiple banned substances.

The Cheetahs, grappling with Nkosi's situation, pulled him out of a slated Currie Cup match against the Bulls, stating "personal reasons" for his absence. The withdrawal raises questions about the club's position on doping and its impact on team dynamics and the sport's integrity.

Nkosi's career has been a rollercoaster with not only highs from his World Cup heroics but also lows – including his public struggle with mental health. In a concerning episode in 2022, his disappearance and subsequent discovery at a relative's home following a police search shed light on the pressures faced by professional athletes.

As the rugby community anxiously awaits the outcome of the B sample testing, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against doping within the sport. Nkosi's case will be closely watched, with implications not just for his future but also for the reputation of the sport in South Africa and globally.