Rugby Player Banned for 18 Months

May 14, 2026, 16:50
AfricaSports

Introduction

Asenathi Ntlabakanye is a rugby player from South Africa. He cannot play rugby for 18 months because he used a forbidden drug.

Main Body

A test in 2025 found a drug in his body. This drug is not allowed in sport. The player said he thought the drug was legal. A doctor gave the drug to the player. The player continued to play games for the Lions team while the group studied the case. The ban started on May 13, 2026. Now, he cannot play in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The player and his team can ask for a new decision in 21 days.

Conclusion

Asenathi Ntlabakanye cannot play professional rugby until November 2027.

Learning

🕒 Talking About the Future (The 'Can/Cannot' Rule)

In this story, we see a lot of things that are possible or impossible. To reach A2, you need to be able to say what someone can or cannot do.

1. The Basic Pattern

  • Can = Yes, it is possible. →\rightarrow "The team can ask for a new decision."
  • Cannot = No, it is not possible. →\rightarrow "He cannot play rugby."

2. Why this is useful Instead of using difficult words, we use cannot to talk about rules and bans.

3. Time Shifts Notice how the text moves from now to the future:

  • Now →\rightarrow Cannot play
  • Until November 2027 →\rightarrow Cannot play

Quick Vocabulary Tip: 'Forbidden' vs 'Not Allowed' Both mean the same thing in this story.

  • Forbidden drug →\rightarrow Not allowed drug.

Vocabulary Learning

player (n.)
A person who plays a sport or game.
Example:The rugby player scored a try.
rugby (n.)
A sport played with an oval ball and teams of 15.
Example:He loves watching rugby matches.
drug (n.)
A substance that can affect the body or mind.
Example:The test found a drug in his blood.
test (n.)
An examination to check for something.
Example:The doctor gave him a test for the drug.
body (n.)
The physical part of a person or animal.
Example:The drug was found in his body.
sport (n.)
An activity that involves physical effort and skill.
Example:Rugby is a popular sport in South Africa.
doctor (n.)
A person who treats illness and helps people stay healthy.
Example:The doctor prescribed the medication.
team (n.)
A group of people who work together.
Example:He plays for the Lions team.
group (n.)
A number of people or things considered together.
Example:The group studied the case.
case (n.)
A particular situation or example.
Example:They reviewed the case carefully.
ban (n.)
A rule that forbids something.
Example:The ban lasted 18 months.
world (n.)
The planet Earth or a large area of people.
Example:He will play in the Rugby World Cup.
cup (n.)
A competition or trophy.
Example:The Rugby World Cup is the biggest event.
decision (n.)
A choice that is made after thinking about options.
Example:They appealed the decision.
days (n.)
Units of time equal to 24 hours.
Example:He had to wait 21 days for the new decision.
professional (adj.)
Someone who works in a job that requires special training.
Example:He is a professional rugby player.
allowed (adj.)
Permitted or not forbidden.
Example:The drug is not allowed in sport.
forbidden (adj.)
Not allowed or prohibited.
Example:Using a forbidden drug leads to a ban.
legal (adj.)
Allowed by law or rules.
Example:He thought the drug was legal.
continue (v.)
To keep doing something.
Example:The player continued to play games.
play (v.)
To participate in a game or sport.
Example:He cannot play rugby for 18 months.
study (v.)
To look at something carefully to learn about it.
Example:The group studied the case.
ask (v.)
To request information or an action.
Example:They can ask for a new decision.
cannot (v.)
Unable to do something.
Example:He cannot play in the Rugby World Cup.