Report: S'bu Nkosi fails drug test, set for lengthy ban

The winger has endured tumultuous times, moving from the Sharks to the Bulls in 2022 and then going AWOL for three weeks during a mental health crisis.

After being let go by the Bulls, the Cheetahs signed Nkosi in 2024. The 28-year-old was due to start on Friday in a Currie Cup clash. However, the Barberton native was omitted from the matchday squad at the 11th hour for "personal reasons".

Now, the Rapport claims Nkosi tested positive for anabolic steroids when World Rugby tested him and three other Springboks in May. Nkosi's B sample will now be tested to confirm the breach.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport -  who deals with doing cases - has not made any comment on the issue, nor has the Cheetahs union. 

If convicted of steroid use, he faces up to a four-year ban.

Nkosi ran out for the Springboks on 16 occasions, scoring nine tries in his fledgling career.

READ MORE: Mapimpi, Dixon and Venter share thoughts on Boks' win over Portugal