Springbok Sbu Nkosi given three-year doping ban

South African World Cup winner Sibusiso Nkosi has been banned by World Rugby for three years following an anti-doping violation.

The 28-year-old, who was part of the Springboks' World Cup-winning squad in 2019, is believed to have tested positive for an anabolic steroid in May of this year.

The winger’s suspension is due to run until July 2027.

World Rugby would not confirm details of the suspension when approached for comment, however details of the suspension have been revealed by the World Rugby-owned Rugbypass.

Nkosi scored nine tries in 16 Springbok Tests between 2018 and 2021, and played three times during the 2019 World Cup, including a start in the semi-final win against Wales.

The former Sharks and Bulls wing has had well-documented mental-health struggles in recent seasons, and went missing for three weeks in late 2022 before being found at the home of a relative, after which he took a short break from rugby before joining the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs.

He is the second member of South Africa’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad to be banned for doping, after out-half Elton Jantjies was handed a four-year suspension in January of this year.

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