Springbok World Cup winner tests positive for steriods
IN HOT WATER: Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi's career could go up in flames if he is unable to prove his innocence.
Springbok Sbu Nkosi, who was left out of the Cheetahs’ match-day squad this weekend, has allegedly tested positive for the use of a banned substance.
After a good start to his spell at the Cheetahs, Nkosi was noticeably absent from the team sheet when coach Ivan van der Westhuizen announced his side for their Currie Cup encounter against the Bulls on Friday.
At the time, it was said the Springbok was left out due to personal reasons.
But according to respected journalists Hendrik Cronje and Tinus van Staden, he had tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid.
It is believed a routine urine test confirmed the Springbok’s use of a prohibited substance. He is likely to request a B-sample test to prove his innocence, but should that also be positive, the 28-year-old faces a lengthy four-year ban from the game.
He is the second high-profile Springbok to test positive for the use of a banned substance in less than a year, after Elton Jantjies was also busted for using Clenbuterol in September 2023.
HIS SPRINGBOK CAREER IN A NUTSHELL
Nkosi made his Test debut for the Springboks in 2018 and has since earned 16 internationals caps and scored nine tries.
Additionally, Nkosi was also part of the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup-winning squad as well as the squad that had clinched a series win over the British and Irish Lions on home soil.
Nkosi has not played for the Springboks since starting against the Wallabies on the Gold Coast in October 2021, but just a few months ago, he vowed that he’ll work his way back into the Test fold.
Earlier this year, he signed a one-year contract with the Cheetahs until the end of June 2025, eight months after Nkosi’s troubled stint at the Vodacom Bulls came to an end with his contract being terminated by mutual consent.
