Junior Springbok prop Kai Pratt faces a potential long-term suspension from rugby after returning a positive doping test for an anabolic steroid. According to reports, the 18-year-old front-rower failed the drug test on 10 April, just ahead of the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship.
Pratt is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most explosive young prospects. After representing SA U18 last year, the powerhouse Sharks-contracted player was fast-tracked into senior consideration, attending the Springboks’ first alignment camp under Rassie Erasmus in March.
The young prop was already sidelined from this year's Junior World Championship after suffering a foot injury against Argentina U20 in Gqeberha on 27 April. This drug violation notice now puts his professional rugby future under a massive cloud.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) CEO, Khalid Galant, confirmed that the disciplinary process is in its infancy and that Pratt has formally requested the analysis of his B-sample.
“The athlete has received a notice of allegation that a substance was found in his system. It was an anabolic steroid, and the athlete has requested a B-sample to be tested. A date still needs to be set for that process, and the athlete hasn’t decided whether they’ll contest the allegation or the charge.”
Galant clarified that no formal hearing has been scheduled yet, adding that an official ban is only enforced once a player has been formally charged and has pleaded guilty. The outcome of the impending B-sample analysis will dictate whether SAIDS proceeds with a formal tribunal hearing.