DURBAN — Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has broken his silence following the devastating news that 18-year-old former Junior Springbok prop Kai Pratt has tested positive for an anabolic steroid, throwing a promising rugby career into jeopardy.
The failed test—conducted prior to the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha earlier this year—has sent shockwaves through South African rugby. While the Sharks front-rower has requested an analysis of his B-sample, history suggests that original findings are rarely overturned. If confirmed, Pratt faces a career-threatening ban of up to four years.
Blindsided: Rassie Erasmus Reacts
Speaking at a media briefing, a visibly deflated Erasmus did not hide his disappointment. The teenage powerhouse had already been drafted into a Springbok alignment camp earlier this year and was widely considered a key part of Rassie’s long-term pack plans.
“Disappointed, disbelief… I mean, a bright future ahead of him,” Erasmus admitted. “He wasn’t involved with us when that happened so I don’t know what I can say to have a positive spin on this.”
“It’s not nice. I hope the process gets done correctly and there was a mistake or something, but ja, I’ve got nothing else to say.”
What Happens Next? The Doping Protocol
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) will determine whether to proceed with a formal disciplinary tribunal once the B-sample results are processed.
SAIDS CEO Khalid Galant emphasized that catching young athletes is never a cause for celebration:
“We don’t like to catch an athlete. It’s not like we’re cracking the champagne every time someone tests positive. The high number of positive cases we’re dealing with is simply because of the robust testing programme that we’re running.”
This case draws immediate, painful parallels to Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who recently received an 18-month ban for an anti-doping violation. Even though medical practitioners bore some blame in Ntlabakanye’s case, strict liability rules held the player responsible for what entered his body.
The Sharks Issue Stern Statement
Pratt, who is currently sidelined while recovering from a severe foot injury, faces an incredibly tough road back to the pitch. In response to the news, his franchise, the Sharks, released a firm statement:
“The Sharks take all matters relating to player welfare, education and compliance with anti-doping regulations extremely seriously. We remain committed to providing our players with the necessary guidance… while respecting the processes and rights of all parties involved.”
