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3w ago

Junior Sharks Prop Returns Positive Test for Anabolic Steroid

The 18-year-old has asked for his B-sample to be tested as the disciplinary process remains at an early procedural stage.

Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
Junior Boks prop Kai Pratt tests positive for doping, facing a potential four-year ban. The incident highlights challenges in SA rugby’s anti-doping efforts. (Rugby-Positive doping)
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Overview

  • A urine sample taken in Stellenbosch on 10 April 2026 produced an adverse analytical finding for an anabolic steroid in 18-year-old Kai Pratt.
  • Pratt has requested B-sample analysis and retained legal counsel, and SAIDS says no hearing has been set and no decision has been made.
  • The Sharks confirmed the result was released on 22 June and have said the matter is confidential while they respect the anti-doping process.
  • Pratt is also recovering from a serious foot injury sustained on 27 April that required surgery and a rehabilitation programme of about six months.
  • The case fits a recurring pattern of junior-level steroid positives in South African rugby and comes as SAIDS operates with reduced testing capacity and funding constraints.