South African rugby is facing another doping case, and it involves one of its brightest emerging talents.

Kai Pratt, an 18-year-old prop contracted to the Sharks, has tested positive for an anabolic steroid. The chief executive of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Khalid Galant, publicly confirmed that the player’s A sample contained the banned substance. The test was carried out out of competition on 10 April, during a Junior Springboks camp in Stellenbosch, ahead of the U20 Rugby Championship.

Regarded as one of the best props of his generation, to the point of being invited to a Springboks camp this year, Pratt had left the Baby Boks squad before the U20 World Championship in Georgia, officially because of a foot injury that was operated on in the meantime.

The player has requested analysis of his B sample, as the procedure entitles him to do, and has instructed a lawyer for his defence. He faces a ban of up to four years. The Sharks said they could not comment on confidential proceedings that are still under way, while restating their commitment to anti-doping rules.

The case revives the recurring debate in South Africa about doping in the youth age groups, which has been repeatedly highlighted in recent years.