Prop 'let down' by his physicians

Springbok and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was apparently "let down" by sports physicians who prescribed something to the player for a medical issue which has now turned out to be a prohibited substance, according to sources, as reported by Sunday publication Rapport.

- Jacques van der Westhuyzen

The 26-year-old tighthead prop, who made his Springbok debut against Italy earlier this season, faces a suspension should it be found that he used an illegal substance.

Ntlabakanye was left out of the Springbok squad that left for New Zealand last week, for Tests against the All Blacks, and is also not currently in action for the Lions.

That union's CEO, Rudolf Straeuli, told Rapport the Lions had also launched an internal investigation into the matter.