Is it the end of Springbok wingers’ careers after doping scandal?

Former Springbok star Sbu Nkosi’s career has been in limbo for much of the past 18 months after a failed spell with the Bulls was cut short by a series of off-field issues.

This dates back to when the wing disappeared without any news in December 2022, before eventually being found after a disturbing search. Nkosi eventually revealed that he had been struggling with serious mental health issues after going missing again for a few weeks.

Previous attempts to help him with his mental health issues had failed to produce the desired results and his once flourishing rugby career was somewhat on the back burner before he eventually returned to action for the Bulls.

However, concerns were raised again after Nkosi apparently ‘came and went’ from training without any communication, and he was eventually sacked by the Bulls.

Nkosi was recently given a lifeline for his career at the Cheetahs and he initially put in some encouraging performances, but he was noticeably absent from the Currie Cup clash between the Cheetahs and the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, with the explanation given being that he was out for “personal reasons”.

According to Sunday’s newspaper ReportNkosi was in fact left out of the team after testing positive for an anabolic steroid used mainly by bodybuilders. He was apparently one of three Springboks tested by World Rugby a few months ago.

Nkosi, now 28, could be banned for four years if his B sample tests positive again, which is the most common occurrence in doping cases.

A suspension for this period would almost certainly end the once promising career of the talented winger who was part of the Springboks’ World Cup-winning team in 2019.

However, a variety of issues have since derailed Nkosi’s career, with his agent Anthony Johnson saying last June that he needed a “fresh start”. “He just wants a new place to play his rugby, a fresh start and a different mindset,” Johnson said at the time.

SPRINGBOK SBU NKOSI FACES AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The powerful winger played 16 tests for the Springbok, but has not featured for the national team since 2021.

Last year Rassie Erasmus said he hoped Nkosi would stay in South Africa to prove himself again in the Springbok race.

“I never talk about the private lives of players and I don’t know what’s going on there, but we just hope that we can see him somewhere as soon as possible. Then we can judge him or compare him with the guys who are playing in the Springboks team on Saturday.”

ONE YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE CHEETAHS

This latest setback could well lead to his short-term contract with the Cheetahs being terminated.

Meanwhile, it should not be forgotten that Nkosi also has a huge passion for music. He previously released a rap song called “Off the Clock”, under the stage name Lawd Odin.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for this talented player who has unfortunately experienced a rollercoaster of ups and downs in recent years.