2019 Rugby World Cup winner Sibusiso Nkosi has been banned for three years by World Rugby after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.
His club, the Cheetahs, says Nkosi had a World Rugby test in May, and his A sample was positive, and he has been banned for three years.
His sample showed traces of an anabolic steroid used by bodybuilders, and according to South African media reports, the suspension will run until July 15, 2027.
The 28-year-old winger, who understudied Cheslin Kolbe at the World Cup in Japan, is the second 2019 champion to be barred for doping.
Fly-half Elton Jantjies was suspended for four years last January for using a banned substance.
Nkosi made the first of 16 international appearances in 2018 against England and won his last cap against New Zealand three years later.
He scored nine Test tries.
He suffered mental health challenges while playing for the Bulls and disappeared for several weeks in 2022, triggering a police search before being found at the home of a relative.
After stints with the Sharks and Bulls, Nkosi joined the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs last March on a one-year contract.
Meanwhile, the Springboks will face Argentina at 9am next Sunday in the Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies will take on the All Blacks at 5.45pm next Saturday.
[Rugby.com.au]
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