After testing positive for performance-enhancing substances during the U18 Craven Week in 2017, three players have been suspended from rugby. These substances were all anabolic steroids.
According to a study provided by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), three players tested positive for prohibited drugs during regular testing during Craven Week last year.
Sifiso Blessing Magwaza, a forward for the Lions U18 and South African Schools, tested positive twice for the presence of Metandienone Metabolite in his blood.
Two rounds of anti-doping testing detected the presence of Metandienone metabolite in the blood of Khoitsimodimo Mathibedi, a prop who played for both Grey College and Free State during Craven Week.
Magwaza and Mathibedi have been suspended for three years from all forms and levels of the sport.
Their ineligibility period started in August 2022 (when they were informed of their temporary bans) and will last until August 2025.
A third player, who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, received a three-year penalty for violating anti-doping regulations. Positive test results for the presence of 19-Norandrosterone were obtained from the minor. His term of ineligibility started on 19 September 2022 (the day he was notified of his temporary suspension) and will last until 19 September 2025.