![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_WGPICTURE3.jpg\")
Warren Gatland is not heading to Japan(Image: Pe\u00f1arol Press)<\/p>\nThe latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyondWarren Gatland is not heading to Japan(Image: Pe\u00f1arol Press)<\/p>\n
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, August 26.<\/p>\n
Springbok breaks silence after ‘adverse’ drug test<\/p>\n
South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has broken his silence after he was stood down from international duty following an “adverse analytical finding\u201d during random drug testing.<\/p>\n
The Springboks confirmed earlier this week that the two-cap forward would not feature in South Africa’s upcoming fixtures against New Zealand in order to defend himself in the case. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.<\/a><\/p>\n And the player has now addressed the matter himself in a brief statement issued by his management.<\/p>\n \u201cI have always played the game with integrity and respect,\u201d Ntlabakanye said.<\/p>\n \u201cI trust that the process will show I did not seek to gain an unfair advantage. My only wish is to represent my country with honour.\u201d<\/p>\n On Sunday, SA Rugby confirmed the results of the prop\u2019s test and insisted he disputes \u2018that he has committed an anti-doping violation\u2019.<\/p>\n The statement added: \u201cThe non-performance enhancing substance for which he tested positive was prescribed by a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons and taken with the approval and the supervision of a medical doctor specifically appointed to manage the medical affairs of professional rugby players.<\/p>\n \u201cNtlabakanye was transparent in his declarations, acted in good faith and at all times followed the medical due process as prescribed by the industry. He relied on the relevant professional medical advice and at no time did he seek to obtain an unfair advantage nor did he take any medical substance without prior medical authorisation.\u201d<\/p>\n Rowntree lands job, not Gatland<\/p>\n Japan Rugby League One outfit Urayasu D-Rocks have confirmed the appointment of former Munster boss Graham Rowntree as their new head coach, replacing ex-Scotland international Greig Laidlaw.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_GettyImages-2221809426.jpg\")
Springboks prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n