The Toyota Cheetahs have confirmed that World Rugby has suspended S’busiso ‘Sbu’ Nkosi for three years after he tested positive for a banned substance.
Reports began doing the rounds after the Sunday newspaper Rapport broke the news that Nkosi has officially been handed a three-year ban due to having been tested positive for an anabolic steroid commonly used by bodybuilders. He was one of three Springboks tested in May, but it was only on Tuesday that the news was confirmed by the Cheetahs who issued a formal statement on their website.
“The Toyota Cheetahs confirm that S’busiso Nkosi has been suspended by World Rugby from all rugby activities following a violation of the World Rugby Anti-doping Regulations (Regulation 21),” the statement reads.
This resulted in his retroactive suspension as of July 16, which will be in effect until 23:59 on July 15, 2027.
ALSO READ: Barberton-born Springbok player Sbu Nkosi found in Mpumalanga
“This decision has been made in full compliance with the World Rugby anti-doping regulations, ensuring the integrity of the sport is upheld. The Toyota Cheetahs fully support clean sport and stand by World Rugby’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field.”
Frans Steyn, the Cheetahs’ director of rugby, recognised the impact Nkosi had made in his short time with the union. “Sbu is a massive loss for the Toyota Cheetahs. He positively impacted the players, always respected everyone and attracted many fans.”
This ban from World Rugby comes during a time in which Nkosi, a 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, was trying to breathe new life into his career, after a turbulent stint with the Vodacom Blue Bulls that ultimately ended with his contract being terminated by mutual consent.
ALSO READ: Barberton-born Springbok allegedly fails doping test
He joined the Cheetahs on a one-year contract in March with the hopes of eventually reviving his Springbok career and adding to his tally of 16 caps with the Boks. The ban places these aspirations in serious jeopardy, as Nkosi will already be 31 years old when he returns to action in 2027.
Nkosi attended Barberton Primary and High before making a move to Jeppe High School for his final two years of secondary schooling. He represented the Pumas at the 2012 Grant Khomo Week and the Golden Lions at the U18 Craven Week in both 2013 and 2014.
Nkosi burst onto the international scene in 2018 at only 22 years old when he made a sensational Springboks debut against England, scoring a brace of tries. He represented the Springboks a total of 16 times, scoring nine tries in total, perhaps most famously during the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales when he played a key role in their progression to the final.
His last appearance for the Springboks came in the 2021 Rugby Championship against New Zealand when they beat the All Blacks 31-29 in Queensland. He has had a tough time of things since, and has struggled to maintain any momentum in his career.
World Rugby player welfare communications manager Peter Hannon stated that they are unable to comment at this point in time “as the process is still subject to appeal.” Nkosi has 21 days after the judgment was handed down to appeal the decision.
